Mole Chili Recipe {Vegetarian & Slow Cooker Friendly}

Looking for slow cooker chili recipes?

Chili is a filling and hearty dish perfect for cold winter evenings.   This Mole Chili is the perfect blend of flavor to satisfy any picky eater.  My husband didn’t even realize it was meatless!

Ingredients:

1 (15 oz) can 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Pinto Beans
1 (15 oz) can 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Whole Corn Kernels
1 (15 oz) can 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Black Beans
1 (15 oz) can 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Garbanzo Beans
1 (16 oz) bag 365 Everyday Value Southwestern Blend Frozen Vegetables (onion and pepper slices)
2 cups low-sodium Vegetable Broth or water
1 Garlic Clove, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced No Salt Added Fire Roasted Tomatoes with juice
1 oz. unsweetened Cocoa Powder
2 Tbsp. Chili Powder
1 tsp Ground Cumin
1 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
Dash of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Chopped Fresh Cilantro (Optional)

Directions from Whole Foods:

1. Drain and rinse beans and corn kernels.
2. Cook frozen vegetables, beans and corn kernels in large saucepan over medium heat, adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of vegetable broth or water as needed.
3. Add minced garlic and cook 2-3 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes with juice, 2 cups of vegetable broth, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano and cayenne (if using.)
5. Cover and simmer until heated through
6. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro (if desired.)

My Directions:

1. Drain and rinse beans and corn kernels.
2. Add all ingredients to crock pot (excluding cilantro) and cook for 5-8 hours on low!
3. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro & cheese (if desired.)

In addition to cooking in the crock pot, I used a chopped onion and a blend of peppers that I already had in the freezer.

Make it Budget Friendly:

• Keep vegetable stock, canned tomatoes, canned vegetables, canned beans and spices on hand and make sure to stock up when on sale.
• Store brands will usually be cheaper than the national brand when purchasing canned beans.
• Winter is the time to stockpile canned vegetables, especially during the Holiday season (Thanksgiving and Christmas) when manufactures offer coupons and stores have great sales on these products.
• Place fresh cilantro in a cup of water in the fridge so it lasts longer and can be used in other dishes.

Makes 6 3/4-cup servings

See the Vegetable Penne with Sausage and Balsamic Vinegar Recipe for a colorful, healthy dish that is packed full of fresh veggies and great flavor.

Recipe courtesy of Whole Foods Market from the Meals for Four Under $15 Booklet (found in-store) part of the Health Starts Here Program!