Game Day Chili

I love chili and I make lots of different versions of it.  They all stem from this basic recipe.  This recipe is so easy and delicious that you can easily make it for game day or any other day of the week.  The version I am posting here is a vegetarian recipe using veggie crumbles which you can find in any grocery store.  I like Morningstar Farms.  I use this recipe when I want a lighter chili and also when I want to load it up with sour cream and cheese 🙂  Of course you can always use a lean ground meat or turkey as well.  I try to use reduced fat (not nonfat) sour cream and cheese to also keep it on the lighter side.

Even though this is vegetarian, it is still extremely hearty due to the veggie crumbles and all the beans.  The texture is perfect as well.  Another really nice thing is that it is extremely easy to make and quick cooking.  It is great on its own, with toppings such as scallions, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips, pickled jalapeno, fresh cilantro, etc.  In fact, a really fun way to serve this is to make a chili bar where you put out the pot of chilli and lots of different toppings and let people make their own bowl.  Another favorite way to eat this is to put them over cheese nachos and make chili cheese nachos.  I will have to post that recipe some time soon.  In the meantime, this is a great recipe that you can get really creative with.

Prep Time: 5 Minutes

Cook Time: 20 Minutes

Yield: 6 – 8 servings

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 small onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 (12 ounce) package veggie crumbles

2 (15 ounce) cans of black beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15 ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (28 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon dried chili powder

1 tablespoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.  Add onion and garlic and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.  Add veggie crumbles and beans and stir to combine.

Add tomatoes, spices, vinegar, salt and pepper.  Reduce heat and simmer on low until all flavors are combined, about 15-20 minutes.