Polenta Chili:
makes 4 servings

Polenta Chili Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
1 shallot, chopped
2 to 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
2 to 4 teaspoons fresh oregano, minced
2 cups vegetable broth
1 (16 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, juices included
3 to 5 tablespoons canned diced mild green chilies, drained
1/2 tablespoon sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 cup polenta or coarse-ground yellow cornmeal
Shredded cheddar cheese (optional topping)

(continue reading…)

Chickpea and Spinach Soup serves 4:

Ingredients:
2 tsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 tsp.)
1/4 cup smooth natural peanut butter
2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth, divided
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. ground coriander
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 15-oz. can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 14-oz. can diced tomatoes
2 oz. spinach, chopped (about 2 cups)

(continue reading…)