Emeril'S South Of The Border Veggie Chili With Fixins - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup olive oil, divided
2 1/2 cups diced yellow onions
1 poblano pepper, stemmed, seeded, and chopped
3/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup yellow bell pepper, diced
1 large jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced or 2 small jalapenos
2 tablespoons cilantro stems, minced
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon southwest seasoning (Emerils Southwest seasoning mix, recipe follows)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon crumbled Mexican oregano
2 teaspoons salt, divided (refer to note # 2 below)
2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, with juices
6 cups vegetable stock or 6 cups chicken stock
2 cups cooked kidney beans, drained
4 cups diced zucchini (1/2-inch)
4 cups diced yellow squash (1/2-inch)
1 tablespoon yellow cornmeal (masa harina)
2 tablespoons freshly cilantro leaves, chopped
sour cream, for serving
grated sharp cheddar cheese, for serving
chopped green onion, for serving
tortilla chips, fried for serving (or strips)
Emerils Southwest Seasoning
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons paprika
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon ground coriander
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon salt (I add half the amount)
1 tablespoon dried oregano

Preparation

Preheat the oven to the broil setting.
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil and saute the onion, poblano, red and yellow bell peppers until soft and lightly caramelized, about 6 minutes. Add the jalapeno, cilantro stems, garlic, chili powder, Southwest Essence, cumin, oregano, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and vegetable stock, bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Add the beans and continue to cook at a simmer until the flavors come together, 30 to 40 minutes longer.
While the chili is simmering, toss the zucchini with 1 tablespoon from the remaining oil and 1/4 teaspoon of the remaining salt and place on a large baking sheet. Broil until caramelized around the edges, 5 to 7 minutes (keep an eye on them, being careful not to burn). Remove from the oven and repeat with the yellow squash, remaining tablespoon of oil and remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Set the zucchini and squash aside to cool while the chili is simmering.
Once the chili has simmered for about 40 minutes, add the zucchini, yellow squash, masa harina, and chopped cilantro and cook for 10 minutes longer. Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary.
Serve the chili hot, with bowls of the sour cream, Cheddar, green onions and crispy tortilla chips or strips for guests to garnish their bowls, as desired.
Chef's Note: this chili is best made a day in advance.
NOTE # 2: If you are using bouillion for your chicken or vegetable stock, realize that because it contains salt, you may not want to add the full measure of salt as part of your ingredients. Rather taste for salt content at the end of cooking time and add or not according to your preference.
Emeril's Southwest Seasoning:
Combine all ingredients thoroughly. Yield: 1/2 cup. Store in an airtight container. NOTE: only use 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix for the chili recipe. The remainder is meant to be stored and used for many other dishes.