This veggie chilli is easy to make and uses beans for protein. I am not adverse to using a good quality meat-substitute, and my other veggie chilli uses soya protein, but plant-based purist are against such substitutes. If you can tolerate beans, then I think this is a great recipe and the best bit is that Izzy loves it! Isabelle will eat this chilli with either avocado or cheese on the side. If I do it with rice on the side, it is always left. There is also enough carbohydrate in the beans and vegetables so she is not missing out on a food group. It goes well with something creamy, like avocado, humus or cheese and I would have it with a side salad. It is also great as a side with Chilli Salmon or even with an egg or tofu if you want more protein.
1largered onion(or white if you prefer or only have)
1tbspolive oil
2stickscelery, chopped into small pieces
1redpepper, chopped into small pieces
3 glovesgarlic
250gmushrooms, chopped into small pieces
2tbsptomato puree
1tinchopped tomatoes
1cubevegetable stock
250milwater
2tspsoya sauce
1tspdate syrup(I am sure you could use brown sugar or even maple syrup if you don't have date syrup)
1tspbalsamic vinegar
1tinred kidney beans in mild chilli sauce
1tinblack beans (drained and rinsed)
black pepper
1tspcayenne pepper (I use a heaped tsp if just me, use less if you don't like it hot, you can always add more at the end)
1tsp (heaped)ground cumin
1tsp (heaped)smoked paprika
1tspmild chilli powder blend (blend of chilli, cumin, garlic, oregano)(optional and again, maybe try first before adding in case it is already spicy enough for you)
Instructions
Peel and finely chop the red onion. Finely chop the celery. Cut the pepper into small chunks.
Heat the oil in a large saucepan, add the onions and garlic and crush the garlic gloves, stir and cook on a medium heat for 5 minutes, stiring regularly. Add the celery and red pepper, mix and cook for 5 minutes.
Add all the other ingredients and mix well. Stir and simmer for 5 -10 minutes until the sauce is thicker.
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook until at the right thickness, it does not take long.
Serve with any of the following: mixed salad, green vegetables, brown rice, sweet potato, jacket potato, wedges. It also is lovely with some chunks of grilled halloumi, mozzarella or any cheese you like, or avocado or humus. Enjoy!
Keyword beans, black beans, chilli, chilli con carne, kidney beans, mushrooms, peppers