It's the peak of tomato and pepper season so what better way to honor these glorious garden vegetables than throw them all together with whatever other veggies you have in the fridge and make a pot of chili?!!
Parents of picky eaters: chop your veggies small and cook them down until your kids can't see them!
Parents of extra picky eaters: grate the zucchini so they don't even know it's there!!
INGREDIENTS:
Extra virgin olive oil or cold pressed avocado oil for sautéing
1 small yellow squash, diced small
1 small zucchini, diced small
1 large red onion, diced small
1 lg bell pepper, diced small (substitute 1 c diced banana/mini bell/poblano peppers)
1 c died tomatoes 1 T homemade paprika (substitute organic store bought)
2 t garlic powder
1 t onion powder 1-2 t dried cumin
1 1/2 - 2 T organic chili powder
1 t organic chipotle chili powder or organic smoked paprika
1 lb. organic grass-fed beef (85% lean is my preference)
1 c pureed organic tomatoes (I cooked cherry tomatoes with olive oil and salt until they burst open then pureed with a stick blender - you can just used canned organic tomatoes if you wish)
Filtered water as needed Optional garnishes: soy-free vegan unsweetened plain yogurt, scallions, diced red onion, soy-free vegan shredded cheddar cheese, etc.
Sea salt and black pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat a medium soup pot over medium-high heat until hot. Coat the bottom of the pot with oil then add all of the garden veggies. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper and saute until tender.
Add in the dried spices and mix to coat. Add the beef and break up with the back of a wooden spoon until crumbled.
Stir in the pureed tomatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil then turn down to a simmer and cook uncovered until you've reached your desired doneness (about 15 minutes).
Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more spices, salt, pepper, or anything else you'd like to taste more of then serve with optional garnishes.
Got 25 seconds? Check out how this chili is made in my Instagram Reel here!
Share this post with someone who'd love to try it and let me know in the comments below how it turns out for you!!
Happy Cooking!
xo,
Laura