Vegetarian Chili?!
*note - I usually make my own and really like it, but I need some suggestions for easy, easy - open the can and microwave for those nights when you barely have time to sit down and eat.
Thanks!
Answers: I am looking for really good, low-fat, vegetarian Chili in a can. We have a Whole Foods and Trader Joe's nearby. Any suggestions?
*note - I usually make my own and really like it, but I need some suggestions for easy, easy - open the can and microwave for those nights when you barely have time to sit down and eat.
Thanks!
Trader Joe's has a very low fat vegetarian chili, it's very tasty.
TJ's is also good for some other vegetarian meals - they have these ready-to-eat pouches that have vegetarian jambalaya, vegan lentil rice biryani, and an AMAZING multigrain pilaf. They take 1 minute 30 seconds to heat and they're a great meal on their own or split them with someone as a side dish.
Amy's Kitchen brand canned chili is available at Whole Foods, that's useful as well.
Nalley's makes a 99% fat free vegetarian chili. You'd find it at the regular grocery store, though. It's not vegan (something milk derived.) It's beans and tvp, no veggies, but I used to like it.
When I know it's going to be one of those nights, I throw chili fixins in the crockpot in the morning. This one's way better than anything you'd get from a can:
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 carrots, sliced thin
1 1/2 c corn (I just use frozen)
1 zucchini, diced
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 15oz cans diced tomatoes
1 1/2 c water
1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
dash cayenne pepper
dash tabasco
Throw it all in the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
What about just making a lot of it and freezing it for later consumption. That way you know what you're eating is tasty. I recommend Deborah Madison's black bean chili recipe from the Greens cookbook. It is delicious. Time-consuming, but delicious.
To actually answer your question I like the Amy's Organic spicy chili. It is okay. I have yet to have a canned chili that is particularly tasty, but this is probably the best so far. That is why I prefer to make it and freeze it. And I always add sauteed onions to it to help it taste a little better.
I think one of the easiest recipes is to buy a packet of chili mix (just the plain ol standard stuff - just be sure there's not beef stock or anything like that in it), and follow the packet instructions usually using canned kidney beans and a can of diced tomatoes. Instead of ground beef, use your favorite veggie burger crumbles (my personal fave is the Quorn brand) and follow the instructions. Chili is usually done in 20 min or less. It's not straight-from-the-can easy, but pretty easy nonetheless.