Vegetarian Chili - Three Recipes for Healthful Meals the Whole Family Will Love

Chili seasonings bring out the best in vegetables andSalsa
beans; your family and friends will never miss the meat.Chopped cilantro
You can improvise with these recipes, using whateverRed, green and yellow bell pepper slivers
type of beans you like, and adding or subtracting otherGuacamole
ingredients to match your personal preferences. YouCooked whole grains
can always freeze any leftovers.Easy Veggie BurgerBottled hot pepper sauce10-12 servingsSquash Chili
Chili1 winter squash, about 2 pounds
4 frozen veggie burgers1 large onion, chopped
1 16-ounce bag frozen pepper-onion mix1/2 pound mushrooms, quartered or cut in 1/2" pieces
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes4 garlic cloves, minced
1 16-ounce can pink beans1 tablespoon mild chili powder
1 16-ounce can chick peas1 teaspoon thyme
2 cups frozen corn1 teaspoon oregano
1 tablespoon mild chili powderpinch cayenne, to taste
1 teaspoon ground cumin2 cups bouillon
pinch cayenne, to taste1 red bell pepper, cut in 1/2" pieces
Cooked barley or other whole grains of your1 can small red or pink beans, drained
choiceBreak the veggie burgers into 1" chunks.2 cups frozen baby lima beans
Combine them with all of the other ingredients in a2 cups frozen corn
large pot. Bring to a boil and simmer 5 minutes or more,2 tablespoons cider vinegar, or to taste
until ready to serve. Ladle over the cooked wholefreshly ground black pepper
grains of your choice.6-8 servingsChafing Dish ChiliCooked barley or other whole grains of your
This recipe will serve a crowd; it's perfect for a buffet,choicePierce the squash with a knife in 2 or 3 places.
or just freeze the leftovers for future "fast food"Set in a microwave dish and microwave on high for 3
meals.2 large onions, choppedminutes. When cool enough to handle, cut the squash
2 green peppers, choppedin half and scoop out the seeds. Return to the
4 cloves garlic, choppedmicrowave and cook about 8 minutes more, or until
3 tablespoons mild chili powderyou can easily remove the flesh from the
1 tablespoon ground cuminskin.Meanwhile, bring the onion, mushrooms, garlic,
1/2 teaspoon cinnamonspices and bouillon to a boil in a large pot. Reduce the
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to tasteheat and simmer 5-10 minutes or until the onion is
5 cups bouillon (or bouillon + beer)softened. Add the squash flesh, cut in chunks, along
1 pound green lentilswith the red pepper, pink beans and lima beans. Return
1 cup uncooked bulgurto boiling, reduce the heat and simmer 5-10 minutes
2 28-ounce cans Italian plum tomatoes, undrained,more, or until the lima beans are cooked. Stir in the
broken upCombine all ingredients in a large pot andcorn and vinegar and adjust the seasonings. Serve
bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirringover cooked whole grains.6-8 servingsRead my Good
occasionally, 30-40 minutes, until the lentils are tender.Food Book FREE, with 100 healthful recipes.Dr. Gabe
Turn off the heat and let it sit until ready to serve (orMirkin has been a radio talk show host for 25 years
make ahead and refrigerate.)Reheat and transfer to aand practicing physician for more than 40 years; he is
chafing dish or other buffet serving dish. Surround withboard certified in four specialties, including sports
mugs or small bowls with handles, and your choicemedicine. Read or listen to hundreds of his fitness and
of:Optional serving accompanimentshealth reports at weekly newsletter on fitness, health,
Fat-free sour creamand nutrition.