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.
I love chili! My left overs I turn into goulash, but adding some ww pasta and corn. So good anytime of the year. Those corn muffins looks great!
what a lovely picture!! Two happy beautiful vegans (or your friend isn’t?)!!!
I do believe being vegan changes our body image and makes us seem so much more at ease with our body!
I was highly amused by your story about eating Ethiopian with your dad! You’re lucky you have a raging metabolism. 🙂 I’ve been dreaming about Ethiopian food ever since dinner on Friday, and I’ll definitely be going back soon. It’s so fun to eat from a communal plate, but I want to follow your example and order a big old combo plate for myself!
I actually used to drink decaf 100% of the time, but I became more lenient and then got myself semi-addicted to caffeine over the past couple of months. A fully-caffeinated latte just makes me feel so good and happy! I can see why you say caffeine gets to you, and I know it’s not very healthy…
So I just have a little every day and try to take care of myself as best I can in other ways!
Midterms? Seriously?! It seems so early in the year. Wasn’t new year’s eve, like, last weekend or something?
Anyways, it looks like you de-stressed in the best way possible. I think corn bread/muffins is my ultimate comfort food. Especially warm from the oven.
i’m glad to hear yr taking a break from midterm stuff. chili and corn muffins sound like the perfect enery booster.
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Good luck with the exams. Comfort food is a must as it uplifts the spirits so does wonders in getting the brain cells going 🙂
What an awesome way to de-stress. Food and friends- nothing beats that. It keeps ya sane!
Good luck on those midterms. 🙂
Good luck on the mid-terms!
Corn muffins sound great. Good luck with your exams.
I made this chili for a psychic party last night. It was very well received.
I’m so excited you made it! 🙂
Thank you for sharing these awesome recipes. i’m feeling inspired and that’s what i need! I like easy, healthy, delicious and local ingredients. I’ve printed copies of genius blondies, one minute chocolate cake (which i think might take me 5 but that’s ok), frosting, whipped cream, boatmeals (pumpkin and cinnamon) and the pumpkin latte.
From your pictures you look so super gorgeous. So cute and radiant. I can tell you practice what you preach! Your blogs are really good reads too. I’m sure you’re a very cool person to hang out with . Thanks again for all the sharing!
Laura Jane
Wow, thank YOU for such a sweet comment!!
I have to make the polenta with your sweet potato chili! YUM! I am just a bit confused about the recipe. When you say polenta do you mean corn meal or the finished product that you buy in a tube? Thanks for the amazing recipes!
-Paige
cornmeal :).
The tube stuff is instant polenta… it’s just not as good!
This was awesome chili! Perfect blend of the spices and no fuss. I did make my own beans, just used one kind, and then pureed my own tomatoes with some tomato paste. Turned out so thick and rich. The carnivorous husband, although going 30 days without meat, wanted some meat…so I cooked half with some ground beef (came from a personal source, so I know the cows were given wonderful lives, and they never see the inside of a slaughter house alive), and my half I just added in some extra veggies and served over steamed potatoes. Can’t do tofu because of of the unfermented soy, but there are tons of other filling things that could be used. Yummy, yummy.
Is one cup/8 oz a serving of this chili? I could probably eat the entire pot so I’m curious what a normal person’s portion should be!
School years may be behind me but these recipes sound delicious! Guess what my friends are going to be served this weekend!