#redbeanchili

Red Beans Chili

They’re small but mighty...red beans that is.  They bring the hearty, filling portion to this family favorite meal and they are a slow digesting vegetable protein so great as part of my diabetic diet .  Throw some epazote leaves in at the beginning of the simmer process to elevate the flavors.  They’re in with the fresh herbs at my local discount grocer.  Add cooked ground beef or vegan seitan (made from wheat gluten) or no meat/meat substitute at all which is how I usually fix this.  The bay leaf in this chili is a new twist that adds flavor, then I toss in my favorite go to seasoning - smokey Spanish Paprika.  If you’re pressed for time, use canned red beans instead of dry - both make a delicious filling meal.

8 c. + water

1 lb. small red beans, washed, sorted

1 stem epazote leaves

1 bay leaf

2 t. smokey Spanish paprika

2 t. oregano

1 t. chili powder

3 T. oil

1 lg. onion, diced

1 bell pepper, seeded, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced or 1 t. garlic powder

1 - 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, broken up, with liquid

1 - 2 t. salt to taste

Option:  1 c. cooked ground beef or seitan, well crumbled

In a large soup post add water, dry beans, epazote leaves, bay leaf, paprika, oregano, and chili powder.  Cover, bring to a boil then turn to simmer.  In a large fry pan, add oil, onion, bell pepper, and garlic - saute until onions are tender.  Add onion mixture, tomatoes, and salt to beans.  Simmer for 2 - 3 hours until beans are tender.  Break out the ladle and deep soup bowls to serve a hearty, family favorite meal.  

Once I have the beans on to simmer, I race down the stairs to my sewing studio to sew fully lined cotton pocket aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads  and www.amazon.com/handmade/topdrawerthreads .  

Or I’m putting the finishing touches on crocheted rugs made from upcycled strips of fabric for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers/bloomers for feasting, fun and frolic or whatever you get up to.  

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she works upcycled yarns into brightly rainbow striped afghans and throws.