Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (2 turns around the pan)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 large red bell peppers or 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 large jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped
  • 1 cup pale beer or 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 1 (32 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (14 ounce) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne hot pepper sauce, several drops
  • 1 teaspoon coarse salt
  • 1 cup spicy vegetarian refried beans
  • Toppings
  • 8 ounces spicy monterey jack cheese or 8 ounces smoked cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded)
  • chopped scallion, whites and greens
  • diced fresh seeded plum tomato
  • red corn tortilla chips or black bean tortilla chips, for dipping

Method

  • Over moderate heat, add oil to a deep pot and combine onion, peppers, and garlic.
  • Saute for 3 to 5 minutes to soften vegetables.
  • Deglaze pan with beer or broth, add tomatoes, black beans, red kidney beans, and stirring to combine.
  • Season chili with cumin, chili powder, hot sauce, and salt.
  • Thicken chili by stirring in refried beans.
  • Simmer over low heat about 5 to 10 minutes longer, then serve up bowls of chili and top with shredded cheese, scallions, and tomatoes.
  • Place bowls on charger plates piled with assorted tortilla chips.