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Kid-Friendly Veggie Chili

Source of Recipe


From "Little Bento" by Michele Olivier



List of Ingredients



• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  
• ½ onion, finely chopped
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 1 large carrot, finely chopped
  
• ½ red bell pepper, chopped
  
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  
• 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  
• 1 (14-ounce) can tomato sauce
  
• 1 (14-ounce) can vegetable or chicken broth, plus additional if needed
  
• 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen (no need to thaw)
  
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
  
• 1 tablespoon dried cilantro
  
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  
• 1 teaspoon paprika
  
• 1 teaspoon salt
  
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  






Instructions



1. In a large stockpot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add the carrot and red pepper, and cook for 5 minutes.
   
   
2. Add the pinto beans, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes and their juice, tomato sauce, broth, corn, chili powder, cilantro, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper, and bring everything to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for at least 10 minutes, but you can let it simmer for as long as you want. If the chili gets too thick, add an additional cup or two of broth or water.
   
   
3. Let cool slightly and serve. If packing for lunch, it will stay warm in a thermos for up to 5 hours.
   
   Serves 8
   
   






Final Comments


• Prep Tip: If your little one is in a no-veggie phase, you can blend the vegetables to "hide" them. While this isn't my favorite approach, at some point it's nice to have one meal when you're not saying, "Eat your veggies." Combine the cooked carrot, red pepper, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Return the purée to the chili and cook as instructed in step 2.