Eggplant Chili

This chili is the bomb. It is sooooo simple, yet LOVED by my family.  I just toss the ingredients into my slow cooker, and come home to dinner.  I’m not sure if I should admit this, but I often cook this chili on low for more than 24 hours, and it turns out fantastic.  The longer you cook it, the less recognizable the eggplant is; so if you have picky eaters, cook it until the eggplant breaks down.  For that matter, if you have picky eaters, you may want to hide this recipe and just call it “Chili." 
Wish we knew who to credit the above quote to, not to mention the recipe! If you know, let us know!

1  large onion, chopped
1  large bell pepper, chopped
1  large eggplant, peeled and chopped
1 – 2 cloves crushed garlic
2 cups cooked or canned beans, any variety or mixture
1 28-oz  canned tomatoes, diced with juice
3 – 4 Tablespoons cumin powder
Chili powder, red pepper or chipotle powder to taste
Salt and pepper to taste

In a large slow-cooker, layer onions, peppers, eggplant, garlic, beans and tomatoes.  Cook on low all day (or longer if you wish).  Before serving, stir in cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper.
Serve with the following optional, but highly-recommended toppings:  cilantro pesto, chopped avocado, diced onions, plain Greek yogurt, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese.

Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 cup chopped red bell pepper (or any color available)
2 tablespoon minced jalapeno pepper
1 clove garlic
1 large can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can each of black beans and garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
1/2 cup corn
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sour cream and shredded cheddar or jack cheese (optional)

Directions:

 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add onion, bell pepper, jalapeno and garlic; cook and stir five minutes or until vegetables are tender. Transfer to slow cooker. Add remaining ingredients except sour cream and cheese. Mix well, cover and cook on LOW 4-5 hours. Garnish with sour cream and cheese, as desired.