The Chili That Almost Won A Cookoff...and Lunch Bunch Reminder

Quick reminder that our monthly Lunch Bunch group is getting together on the 13th at my house for my local friends.  Those of you who want to join in from afar can link up to us on the 14th!  Remember we are doing recipes with beans and legumes this month.  With recipes that have an emphasis on getting more veggie goodness into your bodies. 

So in the spirit of the upcoming Lunch Bunch I present to you . . .

The Chili That Almost Won A Cookoff

I've been searching for a good meatless chili recipe for a while and found this one that my family seemed to like.  So when they were having a chili cookoff at the church I decided to see how this baby would do!

It almost won the cookoff not because we were submission #1 {hey, we got there early and thought being #1 would be a good omen!}, but  because it was sitting right next to the chili that actually did win {that had tons of meat in it!}  We were sooo close!   :D

Meatless Chili

4 cups water
2 cups salsa
1 14.5-oz can diced tomatoes, with their liquids
1 14-oz can vegetable broth
1 cup barley
2 tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp salt
1 19-oz can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz can white beans {like Great Norther, navy etc}, rinsed and drained

 In a medium stockpot, combine the water through the salt and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring it occasionally.  Reduce heat to between low - medium low, cover and simmer it until barley is just tender {about 40 minutes}, stirring occasionally.

Add the beans and return to a boil over high heat.  Reduce heat to medium low and simmer, uncovered until the barley is tender and the chili has thickened, stirring occasionally.   Serve warm.

Anyway, its a pretty healthy version adapted from the one out of Supermarket Vegan.  I like it best made a day ahead because then the flavors really meld and the barley really soaks all the flavors up.  Yum!  I think it should have won the cookoff.  Oh well!

Can't wait to see what yumminess you all make next week!