Vegetarian Chili

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Title: VEGETARIAN CHILI
Categories: Mexican, Chili
Yield: 8 servings

2 1/2 c Kidney beans,dried,soaked
3 ts Salt
1 c Tomato juice
1 c Bulghur,raw
2 tb Olive oil
2 Onions,med,coarsely chopped
4 Garlic cloves,medium,crushed
3 Celery stalks,coarse chopped
3 Carrots,coarsely chopped
4 Tomatoes,coarsely chopped
1 tb Lemon juice,fresh
2 tb Red chile,hot,ground
3 tb Red chile,mild,ground
1 ts Cumin,ground
1/2 ts Oregano,dried,pref. Mexican
1 ts Basil,dried
Black pepper,freshly ground
1 1/2 Bell pepper(s)

1. Transfer the kidney beans and the water in which they were soaked
to a large heavy saucepan. Add 1 teaspoon of the salt and bring to a
boil over high heat. Lower the heat and continue boiling the beans,
partially covered, until tender, about 1 hour. Watch the water level
and add more, if necessary, to keep the beans from scorching.
2. Meanwhile, place the tomato juice in another saucepan and bring to
a boil over medium heat. Remove from the heat immediately and add the
bulghur to the juice. Cover and let stand for 15 minutes. It should
be slightly crunchy. Set aside.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the
onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent. Add the
celery, carrots, tomatoes, lemon juice, and all the spices -
including the remaining salt - to the onions and cook, covered, until
the vegetables are nearly tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. Add the
bell peppers and continue cooking another 10 minutes.
4. Add the kidney beans, the water in which they cooked, and the
bulghur to the vegetables in the large pot. Stir the mixture
thoroughly and simmer for 30 minutes over low heat. The chili may be
thick - add water as necessary and stir occasionally making sure the
bulghur does not stick to the bottom of the pot. Taste and adjust
seasonings.

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