Healthy Black Bean-Hominy Chili

The last time I posted a recipe, I promised I’d provide my favorite vegetarian chili next time around.  This delicious dish was created by Pam Anderson and appeared in USA Today Weekend’s December 30, 2011-January 1, 2013 edition.  If you’re a big-time meat lover, add some chorizo.  Enjoy!

Healthy Black Bean-Hominy Chili

• 1 quart good quality vegetable broth (e.g. Pacific, Kitchen Basics or Imagine brand)
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite-diced tomatoes
• 1 generous Tb. vegetable oil
• 1 medium-large onion, cut into medium dice
• 1 bell pepper, color choice is yours, cut into medium dice
• 3 Tbs. chili powder
• 1 tsp. each ground cumin and oregano
• 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) drained black beans
• 2 cans (15.5 ounces each) drained hominy
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate
• 1/4 of chopped fresh cilantro

Directions

1. Microwave broth and tomatoes in a microwave-safe container on high power until steamy hot, about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat oil in a Dutch oven or small soup kettle over medium-high heat. Add onions and peppers; sauté until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin and oregano: sauté until fragrant, a minute or so. Add beans and hominy along with hot broth mixture. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, until vegetables are tender and flavors have blended, about 20 minutes. Stir in garlic, chocolate and cilantro; simmer a couple of minutes to blend flavors. Turn off heat and let stand a few minutes if there's time. Adjust seasonings and serve.

This is my very favorite vegetarian/black bean chili! Must be the hominy and the chocolate! I’d never had hominy (unless you count grits) until I tried this dish. Have you ever tried hominy? Also, do you have a favorite vegetarian chili?

Thanks for visiting and have a great week!