Best Simple Summer Chili Recipes

SUMMER VEGETARIAN CHILI

Steps:

• Heat oil in medium pot. Add onion, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Saute over medium heat until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients (except garnishes) and stir. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Add more liquid if needed.
• Serve alone or over rice (preferably brown). Garnish if desired with any of the following: reduced-fat cheddar cheese, onion, fat-free sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro.

SUMMER VEGETABLE CHILI

Steps:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add all but a few tablespoons of the chopped red onion. Stir in the garlic, chili powder and cumin and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the poblano, mushrooms and corn and cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 3 more minutes. Add the beans, tomatoes, 1 1/2 cups water and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then stir and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the chili is thick, about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Divide the chili among bowls. Top with the cheese, sour cream and/or cilantro; sprinkle with the reserved red onion. Serve with the tortillas.

SUMMER CHILI

Steps:

• 1. In a large saucepan, cook onion and garlic, in oil until tender.
• 2. Add water, kidney beans, celery, carrots, squash, zucchini, pepper, mushrooms, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and honey until soft.
• 3. Mix in chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, and cayenne until blended.
• 4. Simmer all ingredients about one hour, or until bubbly.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH SUMMER VEGETABLES

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large wide pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion, eggplant, a big pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are lightly browned and starting to soften, about 6 minutes. Stir in 1 more tablespoon olive oil, the garlic, chili powder and cumin and cook, stirring, until the spices are toasted, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 cups water, the tomatoes, beans, 3/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cover and bring to a boil, then uncover and reduce the heat to a simmer; cook until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes.
• Meanwhile, grate the tofu on the large holes of a box grater onto a clean kitchen towel (not terry cloth). Gather up the sides of the towel and wring the tofu dry. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu, spreading it out; cook, stirring once or twice, until well browned and crisp, 4 to 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Stir the tofu and corn into the chili and heat through, 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Thin the chili with water, if needed.
• Divide the chili among bowls. Top with avocado, cheese, cilantro and corn chips.