Friday's Fixin's: Vegan Chili

With all of the carbs and sugar (kind of one-in-the-same) readily available and accessible and irresistible this time of the year, I find myself sugared out.

Though I must admit to loving it, the love is NOT reciprocated. All I get in return are obscenely ridiculous hot flashes, insomnia, weight gain, inflammation, and let’s add all of this to the fact that cancer loves sugar, which means that I really need to stay away from it altogether.

I was feeling a little extra rotten this morning and decided to jumpstart the day with a 5 1/2 mile run and some vegan protein to offset the side effects of sugar. The Silver Lining is that I know what to do to right the ship (yes, I do feel like a ship these days…more like a tanker!).

I found this delish recipe for Vegan Chili on OhSheGlows.com. It’s a yummy one!  I hope that you enjoy it as much as I do!

 Vegan Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon oil (suggested: extra virgin olive oil)
• 1-3 organic garlic cloves, minced
• 2 organic bell peppers, chopped
• 1 organic sweet onion, chopped
• 3 organic carrots, chopped
• 1 tablespoon organic cumin
• 3 tablespoons organic chili powder
• Pinch of sea salt
• Pinch of organic cayenne
• 15-ounces of each: organic black beans, organic white kidney beans, and organic red kidney beans, all soaked 4-6 hours and rinsed
• 2-4 organic tomatoes, diced
• 2 teaspoon organic oregano
• 7-15-ounces of organic mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• Juice of 1 lime (optional)
• 2 tablespoons of Chia Seeds (the secret ingredient used to thicken the sauce)

Instructions:

• Place extra virgin olive oil in large pot, heat on medium. Add garlic, peppers, onion, and carrots. Sauté until everything is soft (approximately 5 minutes).
• Add the rest of the ingredients, cover. Cook 30-40 minutes on low to medium heat until beans are completely tender (you will know when the beans are done when you can easily mash the beans between two fingers or with a fork).
• Presto! You’re done!

Whenever I meet someone who does not consider chili a favorite dish, then I’ve usually found someone who has never tasted good chili.