Easy Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients (use vegan versions):

• 1 can garbanzo beans (drained)
• 1 can black beans (drained)
• 1 can red kidney beans (drained)
• 1 can butter beans (drained)
• 1 jar of your favorite salsa
• 1 green pepper, chopped (red pepper is good too)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 jalapeno or other hot pepper (optional)
• garlic to taste
• 1-2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, cumin
• cilantro (optional)

Directions:

Saute onions, peppers, and garlic in water or vegan red wine vinegar until vegetables are soft and onion is clear. Add beans, salsa, and spices and stir gently until well mixed. You may want to gently wash the black beans so that they do not overpower the "color" of the chili. The mixture of multi-colored beans and vegetables is very visually appealing. Simmer for approx. 20-30 min. until vegetables are soft and chili is thickened.

This recipe makes a large amount of chili so you may want to freeze a portion; freezes very well. It is also a good recipe to experiment with. Try different kinds of beans or your favorite seasonings. You can also saute the vegetables on the stove and then mix up the rest of the ingredients in a crockpot and let it cook slowly all day.

Serves: 8-10

Preparation time: 45 min.