Summer Vegetarian Chili

Throw summer's fresh vegetables into a pot and stew them up for an antioxidant-packed, Southwestern-flavored treat. Black beans also have fiber, folic acid and cholesterol-lowering activity.

• Calories: 178 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 cup chopped zucchini
• 1 cup chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 2 tablespoons chili powder, or more to taste
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chopped fresh cilantro, packed
• 5 large cloves garlic, crushed or minced
• 2 cups juicy chopped fresh tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added black beans, drained
• 1 cup water (or red wine)
• 1 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
• 1 cup chopped white or portobello mushrooms
• 0.125 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Heat oil in medium pot. Add onion, garlic, chili powder and cumin. Saute over medium heat until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Add remaining ingredients (except garnishes) and stir. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer 20 minutes or until vegetables are soft. Add more liquid if needed.

Step 2

Serve alone or over rice (preferably brown). Garnish if desired with any of the following: reduced-fat cheddar cheese, onion, fat-free sour cream, guacamole, fresh cilantro.