Vegetarian Chili for Valentine's Day – Hearty & Comforting

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to a large pot and allow it to heat. Add 2 bay leaves and sauté for a few seconds. Then, add 2 cups of diced red onion and 1/4 cup of minced garlic. Sauté on medium heat until the onions and garlic turn golden brown, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Prepare Beans and Tomatoes

While the onions are sautéing, open the cans of kidney beans, chickpeas, and black beans. Drain them thoroughly using a colander and rinse them well under running water. Next, pour the contents of two cans of fire-roasted tomatoes into a food processor and grind them until crushed. This will help thicken the chili.

Step 3: Add Beets and Tomatoes

Once the onions and garlic are golden brown, add 1 cup of diced beets to the pot and stir. Pour in the first can of ground roasted tomatoes and stir to combine. Then, add 4 cups of vegetable broth and stir again. Finally, add the second can of ground roasted tomatoes to the pot.

Step 4: Incorporate Beans and Spices

Add 3/4 of the rinsed mixed beans to the pot and stir. Take the remaining 1/4 of the mixed beans and grind them in the food processor until coarsely crushed. Add these ground beans to the pot, as they will also help thicken the chili. Add 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of roasted cumin powder, 1 tablespoon of Mexican red chili powder, 1 tablespoon of thyme, 1 tablespoon of coriander powder, 2-3 chopped serrano peppers, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Stir all ingredients well to combine.

Step 5: Simmer and Finish

Cover the pot and let the chili simmer for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and add 1 cup of diced red bell pepper. Stir the chili, then add some water as required to achieve your desired consistency. Let it simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Finally, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro. The chili is now ready to be served.

• Chili is always good reheated, so cook it in advance and then reheat.

• Using crushed tomatoes helps thicken the Chili.

• Grinding a portion of the beans also helps to thicken the Chili.

• Add red bell peppers last so they don't get too soft.

• Add water as required and let it simmer to desired consistency. It also thickens upon sitting.