Vegan chili can be made in a slow cooker.
According to the International Chili Society, there are certain elements that a dish labeled "chili" must include. They are: taste, consistency, aroma and color. The taste must be a "blend of the flavors" of the meat and seasonings. The consistency should not be grainy, watery, greasy or dry. The aroma should be tempting, and the color should be reddish brown. There is nothing in the above description that requires the use of real meat. Therefore, a good vegan chili can stand up against traditional chili in any kitchen. Even yours.
Instructions
1. Place the pot on the stove and turn the heat to low. If you're using a slow cooker (the best way to make this chili), set it to low.
2. Pour the olive oil into the pot and allow to heat.
3. Dice the onion and toss it into the pot. Allow it to cook in the olive oil just until softened. Stir to coat the onion pieces with oil. Keep the heat on low, to avoid browning the onion.
4. Add the minced garlic.
5. Slice the green pepper into medium to thin slices. Toss the slices into the pot with the onion. Stir to coat with olive oil. Continue to stir until the pepper slices are softened.
6. Add the textured vegetable protein crumbles and stir to blend with the onions and peppers.
7. Blend the canned tomatoes and tomato paste in a blender or food processor. Blend until it has the consistency of a thick sauce with no chunks. Add the chili pepper to the blender. If using jalapeño peppers, dice and add to the blender. Add the red pepper flakes (optional). Add a dash of salt and blend until well mixed.
8. Pour the contents of the blender into the stockpot. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
9. Add the red or black beans. Stir to blend.
10. Turn the burner to med-low and allow the chili to simmer for at least an hour before serving. If using a slow cooker, allow to cook for four hours on low or two hours on high.
11. Serve the chili topped with a few sprinkles of grated soy cheddar cheese and a dollop of soy sour cream and/or guacamole.
Tags: slow cooker, Stir coat, using slow, using slow cooker