Vegetarian Zucchini Chili

Ingredients:

• 700 g medium-sized zucchini, cut into small cubes
• 400 g canned black beans
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 4 poblano peppers
• 1/4 tbsp. natural olive oil
• 2 onions, finely diced
• 3-4 chopped garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp cumin, a handful
• 1 tbsp coriander, a handful
• A few sprigs of chopped fresh thyme
• 1 red or green hot chili pepper, crushed or sliced
• 1 tsp dried oregano or marjoram, 1/3 handful
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 330 grams of beer
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 tbsp (15 g) butter
• 1 cup long-grain white or brown rice
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, optional

Preparation:

1. Char the skins of the poblano peppers by placing them over a gas stovetop or under the broiler in the oven. Turn the peppers as they char. Place the chili peppers in a tightly sealed bowl and cool. Then peel and finely chop or puree in a food processor until coarsely chopped.
2. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil to medium-high heat and add the zucchini, onion, garlic, hot pepper, cumin, coriander, thyme, oregano, salt, and ground pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes. Add the tomato paste and continue cooking for another minute or more.
3. Deglaze the pot with beer, stir in the poblano peppers and beans, and add half the broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
   
   

   Prepare a side dish for chili

   
   In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and add the rice, cook for a minute or two, then stir in 1 1/2 cups of the broth, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer, covered, on low for 15 minutes.
   
   In a food processor, puree the spinach, cilantro, if using, and a pinch of salt until smooth. When the rice is cooked, stir in the paste. Turn off the heat, cover, and let the pan simmer for 5-10 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve in deep bowls, topped with zucchini chili and garnishes of your choice.
   
   Toppings for serving chili: crushed corn chips or heated tortillas with dipping sauce, sour cream, grated cheese, green onions or finely chopped onions, lime wedges.
   
   Recipe vegetarian chili.