Saturday, December 17, 2011

Throw Together Chili: Meatless Redoux



With my new vegetarian lifestyle, I am working on adapting some of my favorite recipes that involve meat to be meatless. Since this chili is one of my cold-weather basics, it's up first. :) It's super easy to make meatless, and it saves you a little money and some calories. This is the 6-serving version -- if you are cooking for two, feel free to cut the recipe in half and store the remaining "beef" crumbles in a Ziploc bag or bowl to use within a few days. Perhaps some spaghetti with "meat" sauce? ;)

I used the Lightlife Smart Ground crumbles because that is what is available at the store my husband went to last night. You can also use Trader Joe's Beefless Ground Beef or Yves Meatless Ground Round -- all are the same product. They are refrigerated, usually in the produce section, and always near the tofu. Walmart has the Yves, and they are in the produce section. The crumbles are in a clear plastic pouch contained in a cardboard sleeve. Buying these instead of ground beef also saves me a little money -- 93% or leaner ground beef at my stores will run you at least $4...the Smart Ground is $3.39 at Meijer and is the equivalent to a pound of ground beef.

Meatless Throw Together Chili

1 small to medium onion, chopped
12 oz package Lightlife Smart Ground Original "beef" crumbles
2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes
2 8 oz cans tomato sauce (or one 15 oz can)
2 15 oz cans kidney beans, rinsed & drained
1 1/2 tbsp chili powder

In a large saucepan or stockpot spritzed with cooking spray, saute the onion until soft. (If it sticks, add a little water.) Add in the crumbles and break up with a wooden spoon. Add remaining ingredients, stir, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for at least 15 minutes.

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