Vegetarian crockpot chili

[lifesnotasong]

I've been making this pretty often lately, so I thought I'd share. I modified a chili recipe from Smitten Kitchen to work with my crockpot, and changed a few ingredients to work with what I tend to have in my kitchen. This chili is nicely non-spicy (for the wusses among us, myself included), and the recipe usually makes 6 servings for my girlfriend and I, though servings will vary based on serving size. It freezes and reheats well, making it great for packed lunches (assuming you have a microwave handy).


Ingredients
2 medium/large leeks
15oz can pinto beans
15oz can black beans
15oz can kidney beans
28oz can + 15oz can diced tomatoes
2 T chili powder
1.5 tsp cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 T unsweetened cocoa powder

Making the Noms
1. Prep the leeks. Cut off the rooty bottoms and the dark green tops, leaving only the white and light green portions of the leeks. Slice lengthwise and wash, making sure of fan them out under the water to remove any dirt or sand. Slice again lengthwise (so they're in quarters now) and chop. Sautee in oil over medium-high heat until soft (some may turn slightly brown, but don't worry if they don't).

2. Drain the beans

3. Combine all ingredients in crockpot, and cook on low for 5 hours

4. Omnomnomnomnom; enjoy!

Comments

[feuervogel]

That sounds good! I could probably use chickpeas instead of kidney beans, too... (If only the boy didn't hate beans XP How well does this stuff freeze?)

[lifesnotasong]

It freezes really, really well-- I try to always have 2-3 containers of it in the freezer for days when the girlfriend and I are late getting out the door or don't feel inspired to pack a more complicated lunch.

♥ jess

[jesse_the_k]

The chocolate is a brilliant addition! Can't wait to try this one out. Thanks!

[lifesnotasong]

Enjoy!

[nitoda]

In the ingredients list, does T signify tablespoon? Only, if so, that's way more chilli than I'd expect even in a hot version? Does cooking it for several hours in a slow cooker affect the strength of the chilli?

[lifesnotasong]

Yes, T is tablespoon. I use McCormick chili powder, and the two tablespoons make it so you can taste it but without a spicy aftertaste (maybe the very tiniest hint that it might be spicy, but not actually spicy-- my girlfriend and I are total wusses about spicy). I don't know if this particular brand is less spicy than other brands; it's the only one I've used.

♥ jess

[nitoda]

Ah, the page says it's "A blend of chili pepper and other spices and salt" so it's probably milder than the chili powder I use here in the UK. Thanks for the clarification though - it's probably fine for the other spices, but I wouldn't put that much of my chili powder in. I'm always scared of putting too much chili into things. If my mouth is sizzling after eating a dish I don't like it much. ;-)