Hominy and Bean Chili

Sometimes dinner-time can sneak up on you. Next time it does, try making this chili. All of the ingredients can be kept on-hand and it comes together REALLY quickly. Pair it with cornbread, and you can put it all together while the cornbread is in the oven! I like this chili becuase it's fast, easy and the flavor is just right. The chili powder is not too overwhelming, the tomatoes lend just enough sweetness, and the hominy are a welcomed treat. Even my non-chili-loving-husband gave it a thumbs up! Not bad for dinner on a whim.





Hominy and Bean Chili (adapted from Cooking Light)

1/2 pound extra lean hamburger (optional)
2 teaspoons vegetable oil (do not use oil if adding meat)
2 large cloves of garlic, minced (or 2 tsps. bottled minced garlic)
3 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (15.5-ounce) can white hominy, drained
1 (15-ounce) can red beans, drained
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (14.5-ounce) can no-salt-added stewed tomatoes, undrained and chopped

Toppings:
cilantro
diced tomatos
minced white onion
monterey jack cheese
low-fat sour cream

Preparation
(If using meat in the chili: First, brown the meat, adding the garlic at the last minute. Then add the rest the ingredients as stated below.)

Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic; sauté 1 minute. Stir in chili powder and next 5 ingredients (chili powder through stewed tomatoes); bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 15 minutes.

Serves 4 (1 1/4 servings)

Serve it with your favorite cornbread (or try the recipe below), and some cut up fruit or a green salad.
Buttermilk Cornbread

1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 tablespoon sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
Preparation
Combine first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir together egg and next 2 ingredients; add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened. Pour batter into 8x8 pan coated with cooking spray.
Bake at 450° for 20 minutes or until golden.