lazy chili

Time for my first "recipe," such as it is. It's winter here in chicago now, and thus FREEZING. We're busy experiencing the kind of weather that makes you want some good, hearty eats to keep you nice 'n toasty on the inside while you hide under your mountains of blankets and sweaters. I know I don't always feel like getting too complicated with what I cook, though, so here's a reallllly simple chili recipe I make sometimes - most ingredients come from a can, which makes it a snap to put together.

you can sub in fresh ingredients based on availability - sometimes i'll soak my own beans, if i remember ahead of time, and fresh tomatoes are always a nice touch. organic ingredients are generally preferable, too, but you can use whatever you have on hand.

oh, and it's vegetarian. if you choose not to garnish with cheese, it's even vegan! oh boy!

Lazy Chili:
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 small potatoes, unpeeled, cubed
1 can (15 oz) Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) sweet corn, drained and rinsed
1 small onion, finely diced
1 tsp diced garlic
1/2 tsp ginger
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp red pepper
black pepper and sea salt to taste
Green onions and/or sharp cheddar cheese to garnish

Basically, all you have to do is dump everything into a large pot on medium heat. I like to add the onion in raw. If you'd rather, you can add some oil to a frying pan and sautee the onion until it's translucent before adding to the mixture.
Stir occasionally, but otherwise keep covered. Simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes, to warm it up and let the flavors mingle.

To serve, just ladle out into a bowl while hot and add sprinkle with chopped green onions and cheese if desired. You can stir the cheese in for added heartiness and an interesting texture change.

This makes a great, simple dinner and will last you for days! I don't have any pictures right now, but ... it's chili. It ain't the prettiest of dishes to begin with. It reheats nice and easy on the stove or in the microwave, though. The beans, vegetable broth and tomatoes are your key players here, and other ingredients can be added or omitted depending on your tastes.

I'll try and get a picture next time I whip this together, and add it just for show!