Vegan Chili

The secret to a flavorful Vegan chili is heating the oil, herbs, and spices together before adding and sautéing the chopped onion!  When onion is cooked and translucent, add crumbled tofu and mix thoroughly with a fork.  (If adding beans gently fold into tofu mixture at this point.)  Continue cooking for several minutes, until flavors combine, adding a little water if necessary.  Then add the tomatoes and continue simmering until thoroughly heated and ready to serve!  (We usually add a Tablespoon of maple syrup to combat the acid in the tomato.)  From start to finish this recipe takes 30 minutes or less!


Ingredients:

About 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (more may be added after adding onion &/or tofu)
3 teaspoons Organic Chili Powder (more or less to taste)
1/2 teaspoon Organic Garlic Powder (or to taste)
1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1/4 teaspoon Cocoa Powder (optional)
Salt & Pepper to taste

1 Onion, chopped
1 Package Firm Tofu, drained and crumbled
1  28oz Can Diced or Crushed Tomatoes (add a little water if necessary to reach desired consistency)
1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup

Chicken and Black Bean Chili

Ingredients: 

1-2 lbs cooked, Boneless Chicken Breasts or Tenders, chopped 

Salt & Pepper to taste

1 teaspoon Organic Garlic Powder (or to taste)

1 Tablespoon Dried Parsley

1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin

1-3 teaspoons Organic Chili Powder (more or less to taste)

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil (adding more as needed)

1 Onion, chopped

1 small can Organic Black Beans, drained and rinsed

1 28oz can Diced or Crushed Organic Tomatoes (+ water as needed to reach desired consistency)

Approximately 1 Tablespoon Maple Syrup 

Cook and lightly brown chicken for approximately 30-40 minutes.  Roughly chop and set aside.

Heat oil and sauté chopped onion until translucent.  Add black beans and lightly sauté with the onion until flavors blend, adding more oil as needed.  Add the herbs, spices, and chicken and continue cooking until well combined.  Add tomatoes, maple syrup, and a little water as needed to reach desired consistency.  (We add the maple syrup to combat the acidic nature of the tomatoes.)  Add salt & pepper to taste.  Simmer until thoroughly heated.  Serve and enjoy!