Chili, a quintessential slow cooker meal, is not a traditional Mexican dish. Rather, it seems to be Southwestern in its inception. It is sort of a combination of the dried beans and chiles so readily available in the Southwest with the wonderful spices brought by Europeans to Mexico. This particular version is generously seasoned with spices and chili powder and has been pieced together by me over the course of a few years. The following recipe makes a big mess o’ chili and is best done in a 6- or 7-quart slow cooker.

　　

Ingredients

serves 6 to 8

　　2 cups dried kidney, pinto, pinquito, or pink beans

　　6 cups water

　　6 allspice berries

　　1 stick cinnamon

　　1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano

　　1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds

　　1/4 teaspoon aniseed

　　1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds

　　1/2 onion, diced

　　3 cloves garlic, finely minced

　　1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

　　1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

　　1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder

　　1/4 cup diced red bell pepper

　　1/4 cup diced green bell pepper

　　1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn kernels

　　1/2 cup sour cream or nonfat yogurt

　　1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions, green part only, for garnish

　　1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

　　

Step 1

Thoroughly wash the beans and place them, along with the water, in the slow cooker insert. Grind the allspice, cinnamon, oregano, cumin, aniseed, and coriander seeds in an electric coffee mill or a mortar and pestle and add to the beans. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the beans are tender.

　　

Step 2

Add the diced onion, garlic, tomatoes, cocoa powder, and chili powder to the beans and continue cooking for 2 hours.

　　

Step 3

About half an hour before serving, add the red and green bell pepper and corn kernels to the beans so they retain their crisp, fresh taste and texture.

　　

Step 4

Ladle into bowls and top each bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkling of green onion and cilantro.

　　

Suggested Beverage

Step 5

Although you could also choose fruity red wine to drink with this dish, I would prefer a good Mexican beer.

　　Gourmet Vegetarian Slow Cooker