Mighty mushroom chili is a perfect companion to a cool winter evening. For a complete supper include chopped cabbage slaw salad (sliced cabbage and green onions with chopped cilantro and a splash of olive oil and lemon juice). The salad could be served on the side or as a garnish on top of the chili. Another great addition is roasted pumpkin seeds (some call them pepitas).Delicious.When mom is over for dinner, we reduce the cayenne pepper to ~ 1/8 teaspoon and have a bit of yogurt or sour cream available Inspired by a Bastyr University article.
Ingredients
1 T olive oil
1 onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 lb. fresh mushrooms
2 red bell peppers, diced
2 carrots, thinly sliced or diced
2 celery ribs, thinly sliced or diced
1 zucchini, diced (green, yellow, grey)
3 c cooked pinto, black, or kidney beans
16 oz. diced fire-roasted tomatoes
6 oz. tomato paste
2 T dried porcini powder*
4 T chili powder & cumin, each
1 t paprika
1/2 t cayenne
salt to taste
1⁄4 cup red wine or cider vinegar
garnish: fresh cilantro, sour cream, roasted pumpkin seeds, salsa
*Porcini powder adds an incomparable richness to this chili. You can make your own by grinding dried porcini mushrooms in a coffee grinder. You can also purchase mushroom flour from J & M Gourmet Mushrooms.
Directions
1. Warm oil in a 4-quart soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes or until translucent.
3. Add shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms and sauté until they start to get soft and juicy, 5-10 minutes.
4. Add these ingredients. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour. Add water if needed to thin chili.
5. Just before serving, stir in vinegar.
6. Serve with desired garnishes.
Note: It is pretty and tasty if all these are chopped to about the same size dice. A gifted Vidalia chop wizard has been a speedy tool for all the dice work.
Western Nutritional Information (per serving)
Serves: 12 (1 cup servings)
Calories 167
Protein 11 g
Carbs 29 g
Fiber (dietary) 9 g
Sugar 8 g
Fat 2 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 1 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Other: Good source of vitamins A and C, and calcium, iron, and potassium
Source: myfitnesspal.com
Traditional Chinese Medicine (Energetics) Nutritional Information
In general, this is warm pungent, and sweet. It tonifies the Qi, blood, and both Yin and Yang. Generally promotes blood and Qi circulation, resolves phlegm, removes toxins, drains water, and supports immune system.
Source: TCM information based on Leggett, Helping Ourselves, and www.nathanielwhitmore.com/mushrooms.html.
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