| COMMENT:On those cold winter days, one could choose to water down their favorite chili recipe and serve it in a soup bowl, with good results. But, for those of you wishing to start from scratch with a true chili soup, this recipe using canned beans just can’t be beat.
 INGREDIENTS: 
              1 quart water24 ounce can diced tomatoes3 ounces tomato paste2 tablespoons chili powder1 ½ tablespoons ground cumin2 teaspoons fresh chopped basil2 teaspoons fresh chopped thyme1 cup diced yellow onion½ cup diced celery½ cup diced green bell pepper½ cup diced red bell pepper2 tablespoons minced garlic1 15 ½ ounce can red kidney beans1 15 ½ ounce can black beans1 15 ½ ounce can navy beans2 tablespoons corn starch1 cup yellow squash, diced ½-inch thick1 cup zucchini, diced ½-inch thicksalt, pepper and hot sauce to taste METHOD:Slurry the corn starch with ½ cup water and set aside. In an 8 quart saucepan, heat oil over medium to high heat. Once oil is hot, add onion, celery, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté vegetables until translucent. Add cumin and chili powder. Continue to sauté for an additional 3 minutes. This helps roast the spices and draw flavor. Next, add diced tomatoes and cook them down 1 to 2 minutes. Add water, thyme, basil, yellow squash and zucchini. Bring to a boil. Add corn starch slurry. Incorporate slurry fully. Once this begins to thicken, add beans. Bring to a boil once more, then simmer for 5 minutes. Salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Enjoy!
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