Hubs is a meat and potato man but I like to sneak in some vegetarian meals every week because I think they are healthier. I’m making this delicious vegetarian chili with black beans and corn today, using seasonal, organic produce I picked up at our local farm market. The combination of beans and corn makes a complete protein which is important if you are following a vegetarian diet.

Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons Watkins grapeseed oil, original unflavored, garlic and parsley or citrus and cilantro
2 organic red bell peppers, diced
1 onion, diced
4 cloves of garlic, mined or pressed or 2 teaspoons Watkins organic garlic granules
2 teaspoons Watkins organic chili powder
2 cups organic tomatoes, peeled or 2 cups canned tomatoes
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups organic corn kernels, fresh or frozen
1/2 teaspoon Watkins sea salt, or to taste
1 teaspoons Watkins organic black pepper, or to taste

Garnish with:
1/2 cup no fat sour cream
1 tablespoon Watkins cilantro
1 clove garlic, or 1/2 teaspoons Watkins organic garlic granules
1 organic lime, cut into wedges
1 organic avocado, peeled and diced
1/4 cup cheddar or cheese of choice, shredded (optional)

Directions: Heat grapeseed oil in a large saucepan over medium heat, add onions and sauté for a few minutes or until they start to caramelize. Add peppers, garlic and chili powder and sauté for another few minutes. Add tomatoes, beans and corn; simmer for 10 minutes. Add salt and pepper, taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve with the following garnishes.

Using a blender or food processor, purée sour cream with cilantro, garlic and a squeeze of lime juice. Garnish each serving of chili with a dollop of sour cream mixture, a sprinkling of cheese, diced avocado and an extra squeeze of lime juice or serve garnishes on the side.

Notes from the kitchen:

• To use fresh corn cook it first, then cut the kernels off the cob using a sharp knife. You might want to read How To Cook Corn On The Cob.
• Pump up the heat on this chili; by increasing the chili powder to 3 teaspoons, or by adding a few red pepper flakes, or 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper or you can also add a dash of Watkins Jalapeño hot pepper sauce to each serving.

You can order ingredients to make this chili including heart healthy grapeseed oil and organic spices at the Watkins online USA store or the Watkins Canadian online store.