Truth be told, every time I make this combo, it is my ode to one of the best movies of my childhood. The Parent Trap (1998). Remember when the two Lohans have already switched and Chessy whips up a batch of cornbread and chili? Then Hallie takes one bite before running off to ride horses in Napa Valley with her “long last” dad. I was always so regretful on her behalf; she could have taken a few more bites!! Anyway, I make this for all the hungry Hallies/Annies in this world who actually want to sit down and enjoy their chili with a slice of cornbread. Also, I’m 100% sure that no one in that movie was vegan so I cannot technically call this “Chessy’s Cornbread and Chili”, but at least you know where the inspo was. **This recipe was tested and created in an InstantPot. A large soup pot and stove will work perfectly fine. But it should be noted that using your small electronic appliances verses your large kitchen appliances, is significantly better for the environment.
2chopped bell peppersany color works; I personally, don’t like green ones
1-2chopped jalapenos2, if you’re a real Spice Girl
5clovesof finely chopped garlic
1can of crushed tomatoes(28 oz can)
1can of fire roasted tomatoes
1can of kidney beansdrained
1can of cannellini beansdrained
1can of black beansdrained
Spices
1Tablespoonsof red chile powder or paprikaif you like spice, add 2 tablespoons
½tablespoonof garlic powder
1/2tablespoonof coriander
1.5tablespoonsof cumin
2pinchesof oregano
6mill twists of black pepper
1/2teaspooncayenne
1teaspooncrushed red pepper
2teaspoonsof saltat minimum add more to satisfy your palette
Garnish
Diced onion
Sliced jalapeno
Fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
In oil, sauté your onion, bell peppers, and jalapenos. Throw in some salt and black pepper here, it will help break down the onion.
Once the onions are translucent, this could take 4-6 minutes, add in your garlic and allow to cook for 1 minute.
Add your spices and stir until they have been evenly dispersed through the vegetables.
Next, pour in the fire roasted tomatoes and mix thoroughly through the veggies.
Then add all your beans, without their liquid. Mix well to make sure they get their share of spices.
Once they are fully incorporated, mix in your crushed tomatoes.
Add 1 ½ cups of water, and taste for salt.
Cover and bring to a simmer. Stir to make sure there are no bits stuck to the bottom. Then allow to slow cook on a low heat for at least 20 minutes.
Keep stirring occasionally, taste for salt, then serve with garnishes (onion, jalapeno, cilantro) and cornbread!
Notes
Notes:• Use whatever beans you have available! If you only have pinto and black beans available, it will still taste perfect!• Second, I positively loathe paprika so if you like the taste, go ahead and add 1 teaspoon in along with your other
Best cornbread ever? As much as I wish I could take credit for this incredible cornbread recipe, I actually found it from Courtney Homestead. It is really the best cornbread I have ever tasted, let alone, whipped up at home.