Chili non Carne

Chili non Carne is a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic chili dish. This hearty and flavorful recipe features slow-cooked pinto beans seasoned with cumin and chiles, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. Whether you prefer a mild or spicy chili, this recipe allows you to customize the heat level according to your taste. Enjoy it with rice, crackers, or tortilla chips, and top it off with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness. This vegetarian chili is perfect for those looking for a meatless alternative without sacrificing taste and flavor.

MAKES: 6 to 8 servings

TIME: About 2 hours, largely unattended

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound dried pinto beans, washed, picked over, and soaked if desired
• 1 whole onion, unpeeled
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup bean-cooking liquid, vegetable stock, or water
• 1 fresh or dried hot chile, seeded and minced (optional)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh oregano leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place the pinto beans in a large pot and cover them with water. Bring the water to a boil over high heat, skimming off any foam that forms. Add the whole onion. Adjust the heat to a steady simmer and cover the pot loosely.
2. Cook the beans, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften. The cooking time can range from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of bean and whether or not you soaked them. Season the beans with salt and pepper.
3. Continue cooking the beans, adding water if necessary, until they are tender but still intact. The total cooking time will be roughly the same as the time it took for them to begin to soften. Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid if desired. Discard the whole onion.
4. In the same pot, add the minced small onion, bean-cooking liquid, vegetable stock, or water, along with the minced chile, ground cumin, minced oregano (if using), and minced garlic. Turn the heat to medium and bring the mixture to a boil. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
5. Cook the chili, stirring occasionally and adding more liquid if needed, until the beans are very tender and the flavors have melded together, approximately 15 minutes.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. Garnish the chili with freshly chopped cilantro.
7. Serve the Chili non Carne with rice, crackers, or tortilla chips. If you enjoy a spicier chili, accompany it with your favorite bottled hot sauce for an extra kick.

VARIATIONS:

• Chili with Tomatoes: Add 2 cups of peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes (canned is fine) to the chili, replacing the bean or other liquid. You can also incorporate 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for an additional flavor boost. Top with freshly grated cheddar or any other semihard cheese if desired.
• Chili con Carne: For a meaty version, while the beans are cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of hand-chopped or ground beef, pork, turkey, or chicken. Cook and stir until the meat has lost its color. Season with salt, pepper, and approximately 2 teaspoons of chili powder. Stir the meat mixture into the beans along with the other ingredients.
• White Chili: Substitute pinto beans with any kind of white beans. In Step 3, after discarding the whole onion, stir in 2 cups of shredded or chopped cooked chicken, preferably grilled.

USES:

• Enjoy Chili non Carne as a hearty and satisfying main course, served with accompaniments like rice, crackers, or tortilla chips.
• Serve it as a dip with tortilla chips or as a topping for baked potatoes.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated for a quick and flavorful meal on busy days.
• Customize the heat level by adjusting the amount of chiles used or by adding hot sauce according to your preference.
• This chili is perfect for gatherings and potlucks, as it can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.

Chili non Carne is a delicious vegetarian take on the classic chili dish. The slow-cooked pinto beans, infused with the flavors of cumin and chiles, create a hearty and comforting meal. This versatile recipe allows for customization, whether you prefer a milder or spicier chili. The addition of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness to the dish. Serve it with rice, crackers, or tortilla chips for a complete meal. Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening at home or shared with friends and family, Chili non Carne is a satisfying and flavorful option for those looking for a meatless alternative.