Meatless Monday Vibrant Vegetable Chili

Going meatless, with meals like this delicious vegetable chili, for one day a week not only helps your budget, but also helps you incorporate extra servings of heart-healthy foods and fiber-rich vegetables. Try out this delicious recipe on a cold winter day – your heart will thank you!

1 tbsp olive oil
2 medium red onions, peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large carrots, chopped
1/2 can (about 1 cup) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 can (about 1 cup) white beans, rinsed and drained
2 red, yellow or orange peppers (capsicum), chopped
1 jar (about 2 cups) low-sodium organic tomato sauce, or make your own
1-2 tsp chili powder
salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp dried or fresh basil
2 tbsp dried or fresh oregano
4 – 5 handfuls chopped kale (Tuscan cabbage), about 5 leaves
cilantro, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

• Heat oil in large pot over medium heat.
• After 2-3 minutes, add onions and garlic, stirring for 3-5 minutes or until browned.
• Add carrots, peppers, beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, salt, pepper, basil, and oregano then raise to medium/high heat until boiling.
• After about 4-5 minutes, stir the mixture and lower the heat to simmer/low and let the soup cook, stirring every 5-10 minutes for about 45 minutes.
• Add kale to the soup, stirring every few minutes for about 5 minutes (less or more if you want the kale more or less cooked).
• Serve and enjoy!

Rachel Cook, owner of Raw Materials and MOVE Wellness Studios’s Juice Bar manager, makes these suggestions:

– If you’re buying jarred tomatoes or tomato sauce try to make sure it doesn’t contain added sugar- you’d be surprised how many do!

– Add a half teaspoon of cinnamon to your chili- it helps stabilize blood sugar levels and could help lower lipid levels, including LDL cholesterol and triglycerides

– Top with whole milk greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein or some sliced avocado for heart healthy fat

– Try leaving off the cheese- It’ll still be delicious! If you can’t live without it,  try a really sharp cheddar- you’ll naturally use less because it packs such a flavor punch.

– Always use fresh herbs and lots of them (this recipe calls for basil, oregano, and cilantro)- herbs are nutritional powerhouses!

https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/12/30/255778250/cinnamon-can-help-lower-blood-sugar-but-one-variety-may-be-best