Crockpot Vegetarian Chili and Corn Muffins

I'm a big fan of meatless Monday. Not only is it good for the environment and my wallet, but it's also good for my waistline. Honestly, I see the environmental aspect as just a happy bonus of low-calorie inexpensive meals. And if you don't have a crockpot, go out and get one now. I'm not joking. I'll wait.

Got your crockpot? Okay, let's continue. I love how easy it is to cook with a crockpot. Just toss in all my ingredients, turn it on, and let it do it's thing. Sometimes when I know I have a busy day coming up I'll put a meal together in the crockpot the night before so I can just drop it in and go about my business. I've even roasted an entire chicken in there!

I think I may have mentioned stumbling across Quorn's meatless grounds not too long ago. I won't go into my crazy conspiracy theories about soy, but I will mention that I avoid soy-based products like the plague. I have my reasons. Anywho, Quorn's meatless ground are soy-free, so they make a great addition to my meatless Monday routine.

Meatless Monday Chili
Serves 4 at 296 calories a bowl

1 tablespoon peanut oil
1 medium bell pepper, diced
1 small yellow onion, diced
1 cup chopped leeks
2 cups Pomi chopped tomatoes
1 teaspoon vegetable base dissolved in 1 cup boiling water
1 cup dried kidney beans, soaked in water overnight
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (add more if you like it spicy)
1 teaspoon dried cilantro
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup red wine
2 cups frozen Quorn meatless grounds

1. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the pepper, onion, and leeks until soft and pour into the crockpot.
2. Drain the beans and add to the crockpot. Add the rest of the ingredients and stir.
3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Add the frozen Quorn meatless grounds 15 minutes before serving.

I love this stuff!

Corn Muffins

Makes 12 muffins at 133 calories each

1 tablespoon flax meal

1 cup boiling water

1/4 cup oil

3/4 cup yellow corn meal

1 1/4 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup Truvia baking blend

2 tablespoons buttermilk powder

2 teaspoons baking powder

1. Preheat  your oven to 400 degrees and grease a standard muffin pan (you could also bake this in an 8" cake pan)
2. Whisk together the flax, water, and oil in a small bowl.
3. In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients. Stir in the liquid ingredients just until a batter forms.
4. Scoop equal amounts into your muffin pan until you have 12 muffins.
5. Bake for 20 minutes.

Follow me on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/OneHealthyMealADayForLife