Barbara's Vegetarian Chili

The complex flavor of this simple vegetarian chili comes from basic pantry ingredients, vegetables and spices! It makes great leftovers, too.

Recipe yields 4 large or 6 moderate servings of chili.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
• 1 pinch chili flakes
• 1/2  - 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Berbere powder (Ethiopian spice) - optional
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 large can (28 ounces) or 2 small cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes**, with their juices
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) red kidney beans
• 1 1/2 cups soy mince (hydrated)
• 2 cups vegetable broth or water
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnishing
• 1 to 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar or lime juice, to taste
• Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream or cream cheese, grated cheddar cheese, etc.

Instructions

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and then cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.
2. Add the garlic, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 1 minute.
3. Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, the drained red kidney beans, vegetable broth and bay leaf. Stir to combine and let the mixture come to a simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, for 30 minutes. Remove the chili from heat.
4. Add the chopped cilantro, stir to blend, and then mix in the vinegar, to taste. Divide the mixture into individual bowls and serve with garnishes of your choice. This chili will keep well in the refrigerator for about 4 days and am sure it would freeze well.