Hubby is usually an eat-out sort of person when it comes to weekday lunches, while I’m most definitely a brown bag/leftovers kind of girl.  So I was a bit surprised when he asked me to make my veggie chili so he could take it for his lunch this week.  Of course, I obliged!

My veggie chili is one of his favorite dishes, and it seems to go over well with omnivores in general.  My entire omni-family likes it.  And, back in September of 2007, hubby’s family held a chili potluck, with his extended family voting on the best… I won second place!

This recipe evolved from one that appears in a cookbook my mother has in her collection.  Over the years, I’ve messed around with it and added/deleted ingredients.  Since this recipe is so easy and versatile, I wanted to share it!

Easy Vegetarian Chili recipe

1 large onion, chopped
1 can green chilis
3 cans of beans, with liquid (I usually used great northern, dark red kidney beans and black beans, but use whatever kind of beans you like!)
2 cans (14.5 oz) OR one 28 oz can diced tomatoes, with liquid
1 bag frozen “crumbles” soy product, like Morningstar or Boca
Optional veggies of your choice
chili powder
Italian herbs

Saute onion and green chilis in pan until onion is tender… meanwhile, dump the 3 cans of beans and diced tomatoes into a large pot.  Add in sauted onion/green chilis.  This is where you can get creative and add whatever you think might go well… sometimes I add corn… sometimes I’ll add green or red pepper… sometimes I’ll even dump a can of condensed tomato soup in there.  Use your imagination depending on your tastes and what leftovers you have to use.  Add in the “crumbles” (sometimes I fry up the crumbles first, other times I’ll jump dump them in the crockpot and let simmer all day.  Season to taste with chili powder, italian herbs (oregano, basil, etc.) and/or salt and pepper. (I truly don’t have measurements for these… it’s always, add some in and taste to see if it needs more! LOL)  Simmer for 30 minutes or so if you’re in a hurry, or I usually cook it all day (6-8 hours) in a crockpot.