Vegetarian Chili

After a decadent and delicious holiday season I have come to one very important conclusion...

...I need some major vegetables in my life!

Here's to a happy and healthy new year!



Vegetarian Chili
Recipe by: Shannon, ikneadtobake
Serves: 6

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 small onion, large dice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp diced jalapeño
2 Tbsp olive oil
15 oz can whole kernel corn, drained and rinsed
15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
15 oz can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
28 oz can crushed tomato
2 c. water
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
garlic salt, to taste
optional toppings: cheese, cilantro, diced green onion, diced red onion, avacado, sour cream

Directions: On a cast iron skillet* heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat and add chopped bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until the skin of the bell pepper has small spots of char on it but still have a little bit of a "crunch" - about 3 minutes. Remove from pan. Heat the remaining tablespoon of oil and add onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Cook until onions are soft and translucent. Remove from pan.

In a large pot over medium heat add the cooked bell pepper and onion mixture, along with the remaining ingredients. Simmer for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to combine. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve with desired toppings.

Shared HERE.

Greek Salad Pizza

This weekend was full of surprises (more on that later) and this yummy new creation! Ty and I love to try different vegetarian meals a couple times a week and this one is a new healthy favorite.

Its sort of a salad pizza combo. A salzza.. or a pilad. You choose. We also learned that baby girl loves hummus. The girl is an eating machine. She just loves food... must take after her parents. :)

Greek Salad Pizza

Adapted from: simplylovefood

pizza dough

1 clove garlic, minced

olive oil

balsamic salad dressing

hummus

lettuce, chopped

Any combination, or all, of the following:

cucumber, diced

tomato, chopped

red onion, diced

avacado, chopped

red bell pepper, chopped

olives, sliced

feta cheese

Directions: Preheat according to the pizza dough directions. Roll out pizza dough and place it on a baking sheet or pizza stone. Brush with olive oil and spread evenly with minced garlic. Bake the pizza crust according to directions, or until light golden brown.

While the pizza crust is baking toss together lettuce, any combination or all of the above toppings, and balsamic dressing.

Once you take the crust out of the oven allow it to cool for a few minutes and then spread evenly with hummus. Top with tossed salad. Cut into slices and enjoy.

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Easy Black Bean Dip

Anyone else pumped about the 49ers being in this years Super Bowl?? My dad has been a die-hard fan my entire life so around here we are pretty excited! .... need proof?? here you go.

This is the first picture my dad and baby girl ever took together. She was less than a week old here.

This black bean dip is a super easy and inexpensive party appetizer. Perfect if you are getting together with friends to watch the game or if you are in need of a quick healthy snack!

Black Bean Dip
Recipe adapted from: pinchmysalt

1 can (15oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 tsp garlic salt
1/4 tsp cumin
1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
water, as needed

Directions: In a food processor or blender combine beans, garlic salt, cumin, and lime juice. Pulse until you have a smooth puree. For a smoother texture as 1 tsp of water at a time until desired thickness. Serve with tortilla chips.

Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce

Once upon a time I was engaged to the most adorable boy this girl has ever laid eyes on. Now this boy tried to make my 21st birthday extra special by making me a delicious pasta dinner. He called his mom for a recipe, went to the store, and banned me to the living room while he cooked me up some dinner.

The only thing this boy didn't know (or seemed to have forgotten) is that I...at the time.... was a terribly picky eater. But, lucky for me, with time he cured me so now I can eat meals like this.

Fire Roasted Tomato Sauce
Source: Bena
Serves: 4-5

1 Tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 c. yellow squash, chopped
3/4 c. zucchini, chopped
3/4 c. white onion, chopped
3/4 c. red bell pepper, chopped
1 can fire roasted tomatoes, 14.5 oz
1 can tomato sauce, 15 oz
salt, to taste

Cheese tortellini
Parmesan cheese

Directions: In a large saute pan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and allow it to saute for about 1 minute. Next add the bell peppers and onion. Allow them to cook for about 3-5 minutes. Add the squash and zucchini and allow them to cook for another 4-5 minutes or so. Finally add the can of tomato sauce and the fire roasted tomatoes. Allow the sauce to simmer about 15 minutes. Salt to taste. Serve over your pasta of choice--we love cheese tortellini! Top with Parmesan cheese.

**Another good add would be artichoke hearts...however although I've made progress with my picky eater habits...artichoke hearts and I still don't get along. Maybe I just need more time?? Tyson seems to think so.