Black Bean Chili

 My husband and I love the flavor of this hot and spicy vegetarian chili during the cooler months of autumn.  It's a satisfying meal all by itself, or can be made extra special accompanied with a variety of toppings, and a slice of warm sourdough bread fresh from the oven.
Enjoy!

Black Bean Chili
Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

2 cups dry black beans
6 cups water
1/2 large yellow onion, chopped
1/2 large green pepper, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
28 oz. can chopped tomatoes
1 Tbsp. cumin
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (use less or none for a less spicy chili)
1/2 bunch cilantro,  chopped

Toppings:
grated cheese
chopped green onions
avocado slices
sour cream
tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Soak beans overnight.  (Don't forget this step!)
2. Rinse beans, then place in a large loosely covered pot with water.  Bring to a boil, then turn heat down to a simmer.
3. Simmer for 2 hours or more, until beans are tender.
4. In a skillet, saute onion, green pepper, and garlic in olive oil until tender.
5. Add veggies to beans along with chopped tomatoes and spices.
6. Simmer for 30 minutes.
7. Stir in cilantro, and enjoy!

Vegan Banana Bread

The original recipe for this egg and dairy-free quick bread is from an old vegetarian cookbook, and was a dessert called Banana Cake.  I add less sugar than the original recipe called for, so my version tastes more like banana bread.
Enjoy!

Vegan Banana Bread
Serves 9

Ingredients:
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
4 ripe bananas
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup vegetable oil (I use Spectrum organic canola oil)
1/4 cup water
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix flour, baking soda, and salt in bowl.
3. In a large bowl beat sugar and oil together, then add bananas.
4. Stir in water and vanilla.
5. Add flour mixture to banana mixture, and mix.
6. Spread into a lightly oiled bread pan or 9-inch square baking pan, and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until toothpick in center comes out clean.

This week I'm joining the Simple & Sweet Fridays blog party at Rooted In Thyme.