Spicy vegetable-cheese chili

8 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
2tablespoonsOlive oil
cupCelery -- chopped
cupGreen bell peppers --
Chopped
1cupChopped onions
3Garlic cloves -- minced
28ouncesTomatoes
28ouncesKidney beans -- * see note
2tablespoonsGreen chiles -- chopped
½cupRaisins
¼cupRed wine vinegar
1tablespoonChili powder
1tablespoonParsley -- chopped
2teaspoonsSalt
teaspoonBasil
teaspoonOregano
teaspoonCumin
1teaspoonGround allspice
¼teaspoonPepper
¼teaspoonTabasco sauce
1Bay leaf
1Beer
¾cupCashews
1cupSwiss cheese -- ** see note

Directions

* Use a combination of canned beans that suit your tastes.

** Substitute cheddar or mozzarella cheese if desired, or omit for truly vegetarian dish.

1. Heat oil in a large heavy pot. Add celery, green pepper, onion and garlic; cook covered until vegetables are tender.

2. Stir in undrained tomatoes, drained and rinsed beans, raisins, vinegar, chili powder, green chilies, parsley, salt, basil, oregano, cumin, allspice, pepper, Tabasco and bay leaf. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer covered for 1-½ hours.

3. Stir in beer and cashews. Return to boiling; simmer uncovered 30 minutes more, or until chili is desired consistency. Remove bay leaf.

4. Sprinkle cheese on each serving.

Recipe By : Jo Anne Merrill