Casual Summer Entertaining with Vegetable Black Bean Chili

Todays recipe, Vegetable Black Bean Chili, along with 3 summer entertaining tips, is sponsored by Bush’s Beans.

Summer entertaining usually involves the grill, but I like to change it up and make a one-pot dish with a yummy bread to serve to guests.

Keeping it simple, I recently set out a bowl of Vegetable Black Bean Chili, made with Bush’s Beans.

Simple ingredients.

I think for simple entertaining we need recipes that are not overwhelming to make. Recipes that are delicious every day, no matter what the occasion, with simple ingredients.

This is where I like to reach in my pantry for a can or two of beans, and grab some veggies to whip up a pot of chili.

Summer chili.

You may think, chili? In the summertime? The secret to this recipe is to not overcook the vegetables, but to keep them nice and crisp. Summery crisp!

I set out a big bowl of chili.

Dish towels for napkins.

Grabbed some IKEA dish towels and rolled them up to use for napkins.

Toppings and bowls.

Set out the toppings of sour cream, cilantro, and red onions. Other options would be cheese, tomatoes, and green onions.

Small bowls that I bought at the Dollar Store.

Here are some easy tips to make entertaining casual and fun!

3 tips for casual summer entertaining:

1. Think about what’s stocked in your pantry and fridge and create an easy meal from that. It may involve something like a taco salad, nachos, tacos, or even a variety of appetizers.

2. Serve a nice, refreshing drink that goes well with the main dish, such as a flavored water, a sparkling wine, or your favorite beer.

3. Set out the food, drink, utensils, and napkins and let the guests serve themselves.

We all dished up, and sat outside and enjoyed a fresh and easy dinner with our friends.

Sometimes there is nothing better in life than sharing a healthy meal with your best friends!

What’s one thing you keep stocked in your pantry for casual summer entertaining?

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Get the Recipe:

Vegetable Black Bean Chili

Don’t overcook; you want the veggies to be fresh and crunchy! Serve with warm bread.

Cook Time: 25 minutes mins

Total Time: 35 minutes mins

Yield: 6

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Ingredients

 

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• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 medium red onion, diced (set aside 1/4 cup for garnish)
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 stalks celery, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 4 carrots, diced
• 2 15 oz cans Bush’s Black Beans, drained
• 2 15 0z cans diced tomatoes (or 3 cups of fresh)
• 2 cups fresh corn, or frozen
• 1 tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tbsp. ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup light sour cream
• 1 cup cilantro, finely chopped

Instructions

 

• Heat oil in a large skillet; add onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add garlic, celery, green pepper, and carrots. Saute 3 more minutes.
• Add black beans, tomatoes, corn, and spices.
• Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. If you want more liquid, use canned tomatoes (up to 3 cans, undrained) or add a little water.
• Serve hot with fresh bread.
• Put the sour cream, red onion, and cilantro in separate bowls and serve with the chili for a garnish.

Author: Sandy / Reluctant Entertainer

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