Midterms looming. Essays calling. Homework knocking… I invited a few friends over to de-stress, and together we cooked up Wally’s Chili while listening to music and relaxing. After my friends went home, I turned back to my other good friends– the essays, midterms, and homework. But now with renewed energy.
Wally’s Vegetarian Chili
(For the story on this chili, click here)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 16oz extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled (for soy-free, just substitute another can or two of beans)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp hot sauce, or more if desired
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 19oz can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 19oz can pinto beans, drained
- 1 19oz can garbanzo beans, drained
- 1 28oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 14oz cans tomato sauce
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 1/4 tablespoons chili powder
Saute the first four ingredients over medium heat. Add the tofu, cumin, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, and saute until crisp and lightly browned (10 minutes). Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 45 to 55 minutes. Really good when served with creamy polenta:
Creamy Polenta
- 1 cup polenta (I use whole-grain)
- 3 cups milk of choice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional:Â 1 tablespoon butter-type spread of choice
Bring milk of choice and salt to a boil. Add polenta and buttery spread (if using), and reduce heat. Cook slowly for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for a couple of minutes. Serves 3-4.
Best of luck on your midterms!! Oh I really don’t miss those (although there’s lots about school I do miss) An afternoon off sounds like just the way to give you the energy to get back to studying! Those corn muffins look tasty…
Ah, corn muffins and chili! That’s a great way to de-stress…sounds like you had fun. Where’s the picture of your nails, hmmm? 😉
Too bad homework and essays are not friends with me. I’d call them enemies, in fact. Hehe.
Cool, you just inspired me to de-stress in the kitchen. There is nothing like good food to energize and facilitate focus!
I hear you! It’s the perfect time for comfort foods. Best of luck on your midterms and essays. =)
Excellent. De-stressing is important, and those muffins look like a perfect way to do just that. Good luck with the midterms, essays and homework! I’m glad it’s not completely killing you. That photo makes me smile, you both look so happy!
you are adorable! good luck with midterms and essays and such! i know you will do well!
Chili sounds so so good right now.
Chili and cornbread – yum! Good luck on midterms!
You are SO cute. 🙂 Those muffins look really awesome!!!
Awwww, good luck! I can’t wait to make Wally’s chili 🙂