Hearty Four-Bean Chili Delight
Inspired by the famous Moosewood Restaurant, this Hearty Four-Bean Chili Delight is a delicious vegetarian option that packs a flavorful punch. It combines rich canned tomatoes with a vibrant mix of colorful bell peppers, corn, and four varieties of beans for a nutritious meal that even meat-lovers will rave about. Quick to prepare and perfect for large gatherings, this chili freezes beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it anytime. Each serving is filled with wholesome ingredients and a wonderful range of spices, ensuring that every bite is comforting and satisfying.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
bulgur
1/2 cup (rinsed)
hot water
1/2 cup
canned tomatoes
3 cups (undrained, chopped (28 oz can))
olive oil
3 tablespoons
onions
3 cups (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
chili powder
1 teaspoon
hot pepper sauce
1 tablespoon (or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne)
green bell peppers
2 (chopped)
corn
2 cups
black beans
1 1/2 cups (drained, cooked (14 oz can))
red kidney beans
1 1/2 cups (drained, cooked (14 oz can))
salt
to taste
cheddar cheese
(optional, for topping)
Monterey Jack cheese
(optional, for topping)
cilantro
(optional, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the bulgur, hot water, and about 1 cup of the juice from the canned tomatoes. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer gently until the bulgur is cooked but still chewy, about 10-12 minutes.
2
While the bulgur is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, and hot pepper sauce (or cayenne) and cook for an additional minute to enhance the flavors.
3
Add the chopped green bell peppers to the pot and sauté for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
4
Chop the canned tomatoes directly in the can and add them to the pot along with their juice. Stir in the corn, black beans, and red kidney beans, mixing everything well.
5
Once the bulgur is ready, add it along with its cooking liquid to the chili mixture. Stir to combine everything thoroughly and cover the pot.
6
Allow the chili to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to meld the flavors together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.
7
Serve hot, garnished with optional grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Four-Bean Chili Delight?
It is a flavorful vegetarian chili inspired by the famous Moosewood Restaurant, featuring a mix of beans, bell peppers, corn, and bulgur.
Is this chili recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is a delicious vegetarian option that even meat-lovers will enjoy.
What types of beans are used in this chili?
The recipe specifically calls for black beans and red kidney beans, combined with other hearty ingredients like bulgur and corn.
How do I prepare the bulgur for this chili?
Combine 1/2 cup of bulgur with 1/2 cup hot water and 1 cup of juice from the canned tomatoes, then boil and simmer for 10-12 minutes.
What is the purpose of adding bulgur to the recipe?
Bulgur adds a chewy texture and extra heartiness to the chili, making it more filling and nutritious.
Can I freeze Hearty Four-Bean Chili Delight?
Yes, this chili freezes beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep or enjoying later.
How long does it take to simmer the chili?
After combining all ingredients, allow the chili to simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes to meld the flavors.
What spices give this chili its flavor?
The primary spices used are ground cumin, chili powder, and hot pepper sauce or cayenne pepper.
Is this chili recipe spicy?
The recipe includes chili powder and hot pepper sauce, but you can adjust these amounts to suit your heat preference.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use a 28 oz can of undrained tomatoes, which you should chop directly in the can before adding to the pot.
How many bell peppers are needed?
The recipe requires two green bell peppers, chopped.
What should I serve as a garnish?
Optional garnishes include grated cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese and fresh cilantro.
Do I need to drain the beans before adding them?
Yes, the black beans and red kidney beans should be drained and cooked before being added to the chili.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is to start cooking the bulgur in a small saucepan with hot water and tomato juice.
How much onion does this recipe require?
You will need 3 cups of chopped onions.
How long should I sauté the onions and garlic?
Sauté them in olive oil for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent.
Can I substitute the hot pepper sauce?
Yes, you can use 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper instead of 1 tablespoon of hot pepper sauce.
Does the recipe include corn?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 cups of corn.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 minced garlic cloves.
When should I add the bell peppers?
Add the chopped green bell peppers after sautéing the onions, garlic, and spices, and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?
Yes, it is described as perfect for large gatherings because it is quick to prepare and easy to scale.
What should the texture of the bulgur be?
The bulgur should be cooked until it is tender but still slightly chewy.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
After simmering, taste the chili and add salt as needed to suit your preference.
What size can of tomatoes is used?
The recipe specifies a 28 oz can of tomatoes.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 17 ingredients in total, including optional toppings and garnishes.
Is this a healthy meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal filled with wholesome ingredients like beans, vegetables, and grains.
How much chili powder is used?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of chili powder.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This is a vegetarian bean dish, specifically a chili.
Where was this recipe inspired from?
This recipe was inspired by the famous Moosewood Restaurant.