Three Bean Chili

You might as well call this "Cancer-Preventing Liquid." Tomatoes are full of this awesome antioxidant known as lycopene. It's responsible for the beautiful colors in red, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables. The American Cancer Society says that people who have diets rich in tomatoes (lycopene rich), appear in some studies to have a lower risk of certain types of cancer, especially cancers of the prostate, lung, and stomach. Well ain't that great!
Now onto beans. Beans are quite honestly a magical food. They are rich in so many things, including phytochemicals, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The American Institute for Cancer Research says that phytochemicals found in beans, such as saponins, protease inhibitors, and phytic acid, appear to protect our cells from damage that can lead to cancer.
That's precisely what this chili is: a bean and tomato stew. Throw in a few spices, some other veggies, a beer (gluten-free for my gluten-intolerant friends) and BAM. You've got this amazing, delicious, cancer-preventing liquid, known as chili.

My dad makes THE BEST chili. I think he would honestly sweep away the competition if he entered it in any contest. This is my best attempt at a vegetarian, gluten-free version of his. As the weather gets colder, this is the perfect, heartwarming, nutritious meal.


Three Bean Chili

Ingredients
-1/2 c organic celery, finely chopped
-1 organic medium onion, chopped
-6 cloves organic garlic, chopped (give or take, depending on how much of a garlic lova' you are)
-1-2 organic jalapenos, chopped (more or less, to taste)
-1-2 tbsp olive oil
-3 15.5 oz cans organic canned diced tomatoes (I love Del Monte)
-1 28 oz can organic crushed tomato
-3 15.5 oz cans of any beans of your choice (I used dark red kidney, pink, and butter beans)
-1 gluten-free beer (I love Estrella Damm Daura, available at Whole Foods)
-1 tbsp ground cumin
-3 tbsp ancho chili powder
-2 tbsp sweet paprika
-2 bay leaves
-1 tsp dried oregano
-red pepper flakes, to taste
-water, depending on h0w you like the thickness of your chili

Directions

Chop garlic, onions, celery, and jalapenos




















In a large pot, add olive oil and sautee vegetables over medium low heat until onions are translucent




















Rinse beans.




















Add beans, and crushed & diced tomatoes and stir




















Add spices, herbs, and red pepper flakes, and a bottle of gluten-free beer.
Simmer over low heat for an hour.




















Goes great with a gluten-free corn muffin.

Cozy up on the couch, grab a blanket, and eat up, my friends.