Black Bean Chili

Serves 4.

Ingredients:

• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 c vegetarian ground beef (or finely minced seitan)
• 1/2 c onion, chopped
• 1/2 c Pasilla pepper, seeded, chopped
• 1/2 c red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 Tbsp dry cilantro flakes (or 1 Tbsp minced fresh cilantro)
• 1 Tbsp taco seasoning
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp vegetable salt or sea salt to taste
• 1 c tomatoes, chopped
• 1 (19.5 oz) can black beans with packing liquid (or 2 1/2 c cooked beans)

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, warm the oil. Add vegetarian ground beef and sauté for a few minutes, or until lightly browned and firmed up.
2. Add onion, Pasilla pepper, and red bell pepper. Sauté 2-3 minutes.
3. Add garlic, cilantro, taco seasoning, cumin and vegetable salt. Sauté another minute.
4. Stir in tomatoes and black beans with liquid. Bring to simmer, stirring often.
5. Reduce heat to lowest setting, stir well, cover. Simmer 25 minutes, stirring two or three times.
6. Place in serving bowls. Sprinkle with sliced green onions or minced cilantro if desired. Serve hot.