Vegetarian here we Come!

And now for my second trick, Black Bean Chili!  This was by far, the best chili I've ever done, and easiest. When I was making it, I didn't even discover that I was putting everything in one dish, which is awesome for a busy mom that hates doing a million dishes. The kids were so excited to see something different. They dug into the potato, which I knew was a sure hit, and then started eating the chili mixture. I knew chili's were too much for them so I only used chili powder. The tofu was seamless and added the needed protein we needed. It was great. They were giving me compliments and chowing down. They are really getting used to this. My next experiment will be to find good lunch box ideas for them. Fast food just seems not nutritious. I like the idea of tofurky, but not for every day use and I am still convincing them that vegetables are there friends. But take my word for it, anybody would like this meal and I felt full without feeling sleepy which was exactly what I was going for. :)

Black Bean Chili - One Dish Wonder

One Pot Wonder

This is the second dish in our vegetarian trial run. This was great and it was a one dish wonder!

1 cup chopped onion
1 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 chopped celery
3 cloves garlic freshly chopped
1 1/2 tbsp chinese black bean sauce
1 lb tofu crumbled
1 can tomatoes including juice
1 can black beans with liquid
1 can dark red kidney beans with liquid
1/4 chopped parsley

3 baked potatoes
chives for baked potatoes
cheese for baked potatoes

1. In large saucepan, combine onion, bell pepper and oil. Saute over medium heat  for 7 minutes. Add garlic, celery, and chiles. Cajun spice and tofu. Reduce heat and gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes.
2. Add tomatoes with juice. Increase heat and bring to a boil, stirring up browned bits in bottom of pan. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add  black and red beans with liquid, parsley and savory. Simmer for 5 to 10 minutes or until heated through Add salt and pepper to taste.
Optional

Used 3 baked potatoes, cause there are three of us. Cut the baked potatoes in half. add butter, salt and pepper and chives to the potatoes and topped with the chili and cheese. It was quite yummy and the kids enjoyed it!

Chili over baked potato with cheese