When we hosted a small Super Bowl Party this last Sunday, I couldn’t wait to serve my Chicken Chili (I quadrupled the recipe in my book – pg. 171), as well as a brand-spanking-new Red Beet Chili.
Chili is just so wintery, so Super-Bowl-ish {is that a word? 
} and tasty!
This chili was the talk of the party, I must say. Not only bright in color, healthy and hearty, the fact that it’s vegetarian – gave us all a little something to talk about. But I particularly thought the flavor was rich and robust. I love the way the spices are toasted before mixing them in …
I think this is perfect for a Valentine’s Dinner, too, if garnished tastefully with sour cream and cilantro!
Red Beet Chili
serves 124 tsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. dried oregano
2 tsp. chili powder
4 T. oil
6 medium beets (or 5 large), trimmed, peeled, and chopped
1 large jumbo red onion, finely chopped
2 large red peppers, finely chopped
White pepper
4-5 cloves fresh crushed garlic
2 (28 oz.) cans diced tomatoes
2 cans (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (15 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 cans (15 oz.) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups water
1/2 – 1 cup fresh cilantro, choppedIn a Dutch-oven or heavy saucepan, combine the first 3 spices and cook on medium for 1-2 minutes, until toasted and fragrant. Transfer to a piece of parchment paper (or paper towel) and set aside.
In the same pan, heat the oil and add the chopped beets, onion, and peppers with the pepper. Cook for 15 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Add in the garlic and reserved spices. Cook for another 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, rinsed beans and water.
Heat to boiling; then reduce to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
Season with more salt and pepper if needed. The chili is best if it sits overnight.
Serve with sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro.
All I can say is … A-MAZ-ING!
Do you make vegetarian or meat chili? And what are your plans for Valentine’s Day dinner?
Hi, I'm Sandy. Five years ago I stocked up on beautiful glasses from the Dollar Store. As I started writing about dinner parties, I realized that this “icon” portrays a great message. 
This looks delicious! I love beetroot but I never really know what to do with it other than boil it gently and eat it warm. This is perfect for valentines day too, the colour is so vibrant.
Hope you have a lovely valentines weekend,
Jade
Jade @ No Longer 25´s last [type] ..Happiness Is… Valentines Special
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Not only does this look beautiful, but I bet it’s full of good nutrients, too!
Lynn from For Love or Funny´s last [type] ..Is your brain old and scratchy
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I would say usually a meat chili – but I love beets and so this is *GOOD* to know about. I would love to taste it -first- before making a batch of it.
I’m sure it’s wonderful. thanks for sharing.
Bevy´s last [type] ..Theres Only One!
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I actually like beets as well as chili so this is a recipe I’ll have to try. I love soups and stews, especially in winter (it was -9 here yesterday morning!). I usually make chili with meat.
Cindy´s last [type] ..A Recipe and Other Thoughts
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I love this recipe! I can’t wait to try it!
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Wow, sounds good. I love beets and chili, so might like this combo. I do make meatless chili often. In fact I made it yesterday in my crockpot because I was going to be gone around dinner time (I had to take Kat to soccer practice). I use a variety of beans (last night it was kidney, black, and chili beans..I’ve used pinto and cannelini as well), can of petite diced tomatoes, a can of tomatoe sauce and a pack of chili seasoning. Yesterday I also shredded some carrot in it and diced some zucchini, and threw in some millet. YUMMY!!!!
Kirstin´s last [type] ..Story of the Pot Holders
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This sounds really interesting. My hubby loves beets, so I might have to give it a try! I make both vegetarian and meat chili, but vegetarian most of the time.
Kristin´s last [type] ..Swim Together In The Deep End
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Beautiful! Can’t wait to try this! Happy Valentine’s Day love! ♥
Wenderly´s last [type] ..Sol & Son
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We usually do a vegetarian chili with sweet potatoes. It’s soo yummy! But we love beets, and this looks really interesting,,,I’ll have to try it. Thanks!
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Wow! This looks awesome. My hubby and I are big fans of both red and golden beets. I will definitely have to make this, perfect time to enjoy root veggies. Thanks for sharing!
Karla @ {TheClassyWoman}´s last [type] ..Everyone is a Winner!
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Chili is such a wonderful go-to meal. My favorite chili recipes, my mom’s, is not a vegetarian chili, but when I made it for the first time a few weeks ago, I definitely forgot to add the meat!
Emily´s last [type] ..Friday Linkage
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I am so intrigued! You know I love the Spicy Chicken Chili…so I must try this one…I have always loved beets!
Holly L´s last [type] ..Tickled Pink No 40! JUST THE LINKagain
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Looks great! I will definitely try this. I make meatless chili exclusively, and the one of the best things I’ve found to put in it is sweet potatoes – they go amazingly well with spicy tomato-based sauce and all the other chili ingredients.
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Perfect! Added the link to this recipe in todays post
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