What a CROCK!

There are many pieces of kitchen equipment I love, but right now, I am REALLY loving my crockpot. After a long day at work when it is chilly outside, what beats a warm bowl of soup or stew? Well, how about one that has been slow cooked all day for you and is piping hot and ready to eat? Coming home to the smell of a delicious meal is like my mom has visited and cooked me a special meal. Feeling cared for helps me let go of the day’s stresses and just relax.

If you don’t have a crockpot, I suggest adding it to your holiday wish list. Check out my website for some suggestions and enjoy the following recipe for Vegetable Chili with crockpot directions.

Until next time, Eat Well, Be Well and LOVE Every Bite!
~Jennifer

Vegetable Chili

Serves 6

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

The beans in this recipe provide loads of protein and fiber  (yea for beans!) and the best thing about chili is it tastes better the next day!  You can enjoy it as-is and it is also delicious as an ingredient in taco salads.  You can also freeze portions of this to take for lunch this week.

1 Tablespoon olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 large onion, chopped

1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced

2 teaspoons cumin powder

2 Tablespoons chili powder

1 Tablespoon tomato paste

1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 28-ounce can red kidney beans, drained

1 28-ounce can pinto beans, drained

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

salt and pepper to taste

Gather all ingredients.  Mince garlic, cut onion, pepper, and mushrooms.  Heat oil over medium heat in a skillet. Add garlic and onion; saute for a minute or two, then add peppers and mushrooms, sauteing for a few more minutes, then add cumin, chili powder and tomato paste, stirring well to make sure the paste is well incorporated with the vegetables.   Add diced tomatoes and beans to the pot and bring to a boil.  If you want to use a crockpot, go here*** or, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes (or longer—the more it simmers the more flavor it will have).  Right before serving, add vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

***CROCKPOT: At this point, place mixture in a crockpot and cook on low heat for 4-8 hours. Right before serving, add vinegar and season to taste with salt and pepper and serve.

This recipe is from my weekly meal plan. Every week, you get 4 healthy recipes, an organized shopping list and coupons to New Leaf Community Markets.  You can try it FREE for a month by clicking here.

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