Flavor Filled Chili

This time of the year can be a challenge to stay on track with eating. The holiday season is full of comfort food, high fat options, sweets, savories and things you just don't normally consume on a regular basis. Let's face it, gravy is gravy no matter how it is prepared. I don't mind partaking in some speciality things at parties when I stick to my healthier diet during the week. This chili is perfect for cooler weather and made with out oil so I have less guilt. It is also easy to put together and the longer you let it stew on your stove top the better the flavors will be. Secret ingredient...dark chocolate! Makes all the difference, I don't recommend omitting this one.

Flavor Filled Chili

1/2 c. water

1 onion, diced

1 cube vegetable bouillon

1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 14 oz. can Carmelina Italian cherry tomatoes

1 14 oz. can kidney beans

2 c. frozen mixed vegetables

1 c. frozen spinach

2 t. chili powder

1 t. granulated garlic

1/2 t. smoky paprika

1/4 t. cayenne pepper

1 1/2 oz. vegan dark chocolate

Salt and pepper to taste

Water for desired consistency

Dice your onion and place in large pot with water and bouillon cube. Heat over high until onion is translucent. Add all other ingredients and mix well. Add water for desired consistency. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until vegetables are tender.

Enjoy!

Notes: You probably noticed their is no oil in this recipe. You won't miss it. By cooking your onions in a small amount of water with a vegetable bouillon cube you impart them with all that wonderful vegetable flavor and save yourself a lot of fat and calories!

Vegan dark chocolate is available almost anywhere, I've even seen it at Walgreen's.

Carmelina is a brand of tomatoes. I find them at Whole Foods and small Italian grocery stores. I recommend their tomatoes for just about anything. Some of the best canned tomatoes I have ever tried. The cherry tomatoes give this chili and amazing flavor, so subtly sweet. If you can't find them, don't despair, just use another can of tomatoes you like.

I used about 1 cup of water for the chili and added a little more before serving to thin it just a bit. I tend to like a little thicker chili, you may like it thinner, if so, just add more water.