"Not really Chili" Chili

I made this the first time last winter when the snow fell outside and my boys got off the school bus with the sniffles.  I wanted to make something hot and hearty, but without any animal involved (over the years I've learned that the less animal fats I consume, the less fat I absorb on my body -- and why is it any weight I gain goes directly to my tummy?  Why can't the wealth of weight ever be shared with, say, my breasts?).

After a few minutes in my cupboard, and a few more minutes checking out the stash in my veggie drawer, the result was in: "Not really Chili" Chili.  I can't even tell you how delicious this is, but I made it the other night for friends who thought I was pretty damn spectacular for coming up with it, and you can bet it has become a mainstay on my dinner menu since it's sooo easy and sooo healthy and sooo...you're getting the picture.

Bonus: this is one inexpensive meal to make!

"Not really Chili" Chili:

The next time you go to the grocery store, stock your shelves with cans of beans: kidney, pinto, great northern, chili beans - whatever.  Trust me, getting your daily dose of protein is not going to be a problem with this meal.

In a large pot, saute whatever veggies you have in your fridge: carrots, squash, zucchini, cabbage, celery, etc. in olive oil.  Add a little white wine, and let the veggies absorb it.  Add a cup of vegetable broth, and then four or five or six cans of a combination of your favorite beans.  Add a can of diced tomatoes and some fresh chopped cilantro (heavenly scent!), kosher salt to taste and a dash of pepper.

Feel free to add a cup or two of your favorite whole grain noodle: my preference is a whole wheat elbow macaroni.  Could this meal get any healthier?  I think not.

You can let this simmer on low for a while as you set the table, etc. or you can serve it immediately once it's warmed up.  I offer a small bowl of Mozzarella to sprinkle on the top, but with or without cheese it's one delicious meal, especially on a chilly or rainy day!

Unfortunately, even though I made a huge pot of it, there were no leftovers the next day for me to enjoy.  Just as well, since the friends I made it for left my house happier and - dare I say it - a little healthier than when they came!  This is my mission in life: to show people that food can be both healthy and absolutely delicious to eat...Enjoy:)

Suzanna Quintana, Holistic Health Coach & Certified Foodie