Chunky Vegetable Chili

Ingredients:
1 habenero pepper, minced
1 large onion, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 shallots, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Japanese eggplants, chopped
3 zucchini, chopped
32 oz canned whole tomatoes, cut up
15 oz canned pinto beans, drained
15 oz canned dark red kidney beans, drained
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon hot paprika
1 teaspoon cayenne
Directions:
In a large pot, heat the oil. When hot, add the red pepper flakes, garlic, onions, shallots, carrots and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until things begin to soften. Add the eggplant and half of the zucchini. Continue to cook, about 10 minutes or until the eggplant begins to soften. Add the tomatoes, cumin, paprika, chili powder, habenaro, and cayenne and continue to cook. After about 5 minutes, add the remaining zucchini and then continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 more minutes. Add the kidney and pinto beans, stir and return to heat, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you want a thinner, soupier texture leave the lid on, if you want it thicker, leave the lid off. Serve hot.
My thoughts:
I have had a craving for a good vegetable chili for a while now. I used to get a good bowl at a restaurant that has since closed but had never made it myself before. Anyway, I think this recipe is a pretty good alternative, I made the decision to add half of the zucchini later to give it more of a texture contrast but you could add it all in the beginning and it would be fine. We served with corn muffins and when I eat some leftovers tomorrow, I think I might ladle it over rice.

5 Comments

  1. i love chili but have never made a vegetarian version. Looks super healthy and tasty – perfect for the coming winter months!

  2. I have no idea what prompted this in my sick mind (no worries…rated PG):

    youtube.com/watch?v=Ug75diEyiA0

    youtube.com/watch?v=mN9oWRKrOsI

  3. Oh I love chunky chili! This looks perfect!

  4. Looks fantastic! And being such a zucchini fan, those chunks of zuchs in the chilli are making me hungry!

  5. That looks delicious!!! YUM!!!!!!