We have been stocking up on a variety of beans and lentils with the intention of learning how to cook with them. For the next few months I will be learning how to incorporate different kinds of beans in place of meats in some of our favorite meals. I am beginning with our favorite Chili recipe.

Ingredients:
1 large can tomatoes (28 oz)
1 lb. ground beef
Olive oil
Garlic, minced
Onion, chopped
1 tablespoon cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 can black beans
1 jar of our hot pepper relish
(use whatever source of heat you would like here. If you don’t want a hot chili, you can use green and red peppers, diced)

Sauté olive oil, garlic, onions, pepper relish (drained), and spices in a skillet over medium-high heat until the onions are translucent.

Add ground beef and cook until the meat is starting to turn brown. (this is where you would add beans if you are using them as a replacement for the beef)

Add in can of drained and rinsed black beans and the large can of tomato sauce and stir until combined.

Simmer on low for 30 minutes and serve.

This time making chili, I used the pound of ground beef. If you would like to make this a meatless meal and still have a similar amount of protein and consistency, replace the ground beef with pinto beans or red beans.

You can use one cup of dried beans, soaked overnight, cooked, and mashed into a texture similar to the ground beef. Or you can simply open two cans of beans and wash, drain, and mash them.  A third option is to use two cans of refried beans.

Whatever way you use the beans as a meat replacement, add them into the vegetables and seasonings at the same time you would add the beef.

We served it over rice this time. It is also delicious over pasta or if you are looking to make it gluten-free, you can serve it over spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.  Once you have the basic recipe down, there are many ways to alter this recipe and make it your own!