Black Bean Vegetable Chili

from The New Basics Cookbook

Ingredients:

• Olive oil, for cooking
• 1 small eggplant
• 2 small zucchini
• 1 medium onion
• 1 large red pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 4 small tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1/2 cup vegetable stock
• 2 tsp cumin
• 4 tsp chili powder
• Dash of cayenne
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ear of corn, removed from the cob
• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Sour cream, for garnish
• Green onions, for garnish

Directions:

1. Dice the eggplant, zucchini, onion, and pepper into cubes about 1/4 inch (the eggplant will cook separately; the other veggies can all be mixed together).
2. In a large skillet, heat about a tablespoon of oil, just over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the eggplant and cook until the pieces are just tender, about 10 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, in your largest pot, heat another tablespoon of oil over medium heat, and when it’s ready add the garlic, zucchini, onions, and peppers, and cook until the vegetables are soft and most of the water has evaporated (about 10 minutes).
4. While the vegetables are cooking, chop the tomatoes into 1/4 inch dice, and chop the basil and parsley if you haven’t already. When the vegetables are cooked, put the eggplant into the pot with the other veggies, then add the tomatoes, basil, parsley, stock, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give the mixture a good stir and bring it to a boil, then turn the heat down to a simmer. Cover the pot loosely and let it cook for about 30 minutes.
5. While the chili is cooking, dry roast the corn (we use the same skillet we used for the eggplant – just wipe it out with a paper towel and you’re ready to go). Heat the skillet (dry) to medium high heat, then add the corn kernels. Cook until they have started to brown and become fragrant (about 8 minutes), then remove to a bowl.
6. When the chili has been cooking for about 30 minutes, stir in the corn, beans, and lemon juice, and let it cook at a simmer for 15 minutes more. Serve, garnished with sour cream, green onions, and cheese, if you like. We like to eat this with a side of a simple cheese quesadilla – pepper jack in a flour tortilla.