Healthy Vegan - Red Pepper Chili Hearts and Black Beans

Well we had a little snow over the weekend, but it had all melted away by the afternoon.  We also had plans to go to Bristol, but with the Rugby between Wales and England, and the nippy weather, we thought we'd postpone it for another time as we didn't fancy getting stuck in traffic going over the Severn Bridge to and fro.  

 So I did a bit of cooking in the kitchen and made some favourite recipes in readiness for the upcoming working week.  One of which was this Black Bean Chili with Red Peppers and of course with Valentines Day round the corner, I thought I would adorn these with some hearts.
This Black Beans Chili with Red Pepper Hearts will be good for at least three meals.  Two of which will as Enchiladas served with salad, soured cream and guacamole - yes the full works; and the other simply with plain white Basmati rice. 
I had not intended to make this Black Bean Chili, but D requested it.  I was happy to oblige as long as he was happy with it being made with red peppers so that I could humour myself and cut out dainty hearts.  He doesn't care what it looks like, as long as it tastes good; and you can't go wrong with a good homemade chilli, especially one made with true love.
Whether you are with someone or on your own, may I wish my Dear Loyal Readers a Happy Valentines.


 Red Pepper and Black Bean Chili 
Serves 6 as an accompaniment
Ingredients
250grams Black Beans, soaked overnight
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 medium onions, finely sliced
4 cloves garlic, crushed
1 celery stalk, thinly sliced
2 fresh red chillies, sliced
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon dried chilli flakes
4 Ramiro/Romano or red bell pepper, cored and diced
1 x 400grams can of tomatoes, chopped
100ml water or vegetable stock
 Salt and pepper to taste
 Method
In a wide pan, cook beans in water until tender.  Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, warm the oil on medium heat.  Add the onions and garlic and saute until the onions become soft.  Add the celery and chilli, then cover and cook for about 5 minutes.
Stir in the cumin, oregano, coriander, chilli flakes and season with salt and pepper to taste and cook for a few minutes for it to coat the oniony mixture.  
Then stir in the tomatoes, cook for 10 minutes until they have begun to disintegrate and break down.
Then stir in the red pepper, cover and cook until the peppers begin to soften.  
Stir occasionally to keep the spices from burning.  
Then add in the black beans and water or stock cook for 20 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Adapted from this recipe

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