If I Can Cook, You Can: Vegetarian Chili

What a yucky day in Wisconsin I woke up on the crabbypants side of the bed – the stress of having a lot of wedding related activities all weekend before the week we move is starting to dawn on me. I’m really just sick of having my belongings *everywhere* – my car, B’s apartment, my parents’ house, B’s parents’ cars… AHHH! I brightened up my morning by making my first Fitnessista breakfast cookie. I followed her directions pretty much exactly – used half a banana as a mix-in and chocolate protein powder. Otherwise I used plain rice milk, and I used Tera’s Whey protein – I got it from the Whole Foods in Madison, and it comes from a Wisconsin-local business. The finished product was pretty delicious, but was a teeny bit smooshy. Less rice milk next time

The rest of the afternoon I spent trying to fight off my rainy mood with some cooking. I made some vegetarian chili according to a family recipe:

My aunt and my mom both have cool handwriting like this – I unfortunately didn’t inherit it

Here’s what you need:
2 tbsp oil (I used olive)
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed (I used ~1 tbsp of minced garlic from a jar)
1 (14 1/2 oz or 16 oz) can of whole tomatoes, undrained (I used cut up stewed tomatoes)
1 (15.5 oz) can red beans rinsed, drained
1 (15.5 oz) can garbanzo beans, rinsed, drained (I used black beans instead, you’ll see why in a little )
1 (11 oz) can whole kernel corn
1 (8 0z) can tomato sauce
1 (8 oz) can mushroom pieces and stems, drained (I used two – I like ‘shrooms!)
1-2 tbsp chili powder
1-2 tsp. cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (I used crushed red pepper instead)

Put it all in a pot, bring to boil, then simmer on medium heat for 20-30 minutes. That’s it! Then garnish with an avocado and shredded cheese.

I also made the zen habits roasted chickpea recipe (which is why I skipped them in the chili!):
I sort of expected them to be more crispy? But I love chickpeas so I like ‘em anyway. Try it out and let me know how they turn out for you!! Did you cook anything delicious today?