Chili Mac

Happy National Chili Day! Didn't know it was such a delicious holiday? Neither did I until yesterday, and it just so happened that I had this chili mac on my menu this week. When I first became a vegan, I relied way too much on pasta and bread, and I realized that I wasn't achieving the weight loss goals that I set out to. After the first few weeks, I decided to basically eliminate pasta and bread, and it actually was not half as difficult as I thought it would be. Now, 3 months in, I feel much more comfortable using some pasta and bread, as long as the vast majority of my diet is based on fresh and non-processed food. This chili mac is a great way to splurge on some carbs--the mix of vegetables is hearty and delicious and the spice is perfection. Even if you missed national chili day, there is nothing that should stop you from celebrating with this chili mac!

Ingredients

Slightly adapted from Fat Free Vegan Blog

• 1 box of vegan macaroni pasta
• 15 oz. can tomato sauce
• 1 yellow onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 cup frozen corn kernels
• 1 bunch of kale, removed from stem and leaves chopped
• 1-2 tbsp. chipotle tabasco sauce (or any chipotle sauce)
• 1 tbsp. cholula hot sauce (or your favorite hot sauce)
• Cayenne pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes, to taste
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

1. Cook the pasta per the instructions. Strain and set aside.
2. In a large pan, heat the onion and garlic over medium heat until translucent.
3. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the kale (including the cooked pasta). Season to taste.
4. Bring to a light simmer over medium heat, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
5. Cook for about 10 minutes over medium heat.
6. Add the kale, and cover the pan. Let cook for about 3 minutes, until kale starts to wilt.
7. Once the kale has started to wilt, stir continuously until the kale is fully combined. Let cook for about 3-5 more minutes, until the kale is soft but still bright green.
8. Serve and enjoy!!

A celebration in a bowl.