Cozy dinners are the best thing in the cooler months... I love having a variety of simple, yet comforting recipes (that are also healthy!) to be able to pull together without much hassle. Ingredients that are already in the pantry, so no special grocery trip required. Meals that are easy to throw together and then can simmer for as long as I want...whilst I go for a ramble around our gardens, watch a movie with my family, or even work on a knitting project or read a chapter or two from a book.
I love simmering recipes; I think they may be my favorite of all. They make our home smell so wonderful and make the food even more enticing. Most of the time when I make soup or chili or anything like that, I love to serve them with some sort of bread or biscuit. This particular night I made, what we consider, the best biscuits ever. The batter is quick to come together and there's no rolling out or kneading or cutting involved. Simply just drop them by spoonfuls onto a sheet tray and bake...we love them served with butter and some fruity preserve.
This chili is so simple...just a handful of pantry staples and your typical chili seasonings and you've got a new family favorite on your hands. We don't like strong flavors or tons of heat, so if that's more your thing, definitely spike up the amount of chili powder you add. Otherwise, if mild is your preference too, this recipe is perfect as is.
Cozy Veggie Chili
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 tsp. minced garlic
2 cans corn, drained
3 cans petite diced tomatoes (regular will work fine too)
2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black or white beans, drained and rinsed
2 bay leaves
4 tsp. chili powder
2 tsp. cumin
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
In a large stockpot, saute the onion, bell pepper and garlic in about one tablespoon of olive oil. Continue to saute until the veggies are tender. Then add all the other ingredients and give it a stir to thoroughly combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the chili to cook for at least one hour.
Remove the bay leaves before serving.
Enjoy!
For the recipe for these delicious biscuits, please visit this post HERE.
In this photo, I am serving them with Irish butter and strawberry preserves, though they are wonderful no matter how you serve them. They are simply the best!
What are your favorite simple dinners in the autumn/winter months?