RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, warm the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, carrot, celery and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir to combine and then cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent, about 7 to 10 minutes.

2. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and oregano. Cook until fragrant while stirring constantly, about 1 minute.

3. Add the diced tomatoes and their juices, the drained black beans and pinto beans, vegetable broth and bay leaf. Stir to combine and let the mixture come to a simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally and reducing heat as necessary to maintain a gentle simmer, for 30 minutes. Remove the chili from heat.

4. For the best texture and flavor, transfer 1 ½ cups of the chili to a blender and blend until smooth, then pour the blended mixture back into the pot.

5. Add the chopped cilantro, stir to blend, and then mix in the vinegar, to taste. Add salt to taste. Divide the mixture into individual bowls and serve with fiesta poppers.

Fiesta Cheese Poppers only need to be warmed in the oven for 5 min at 375 or pop them in microwave for 30 sec. 

These cheese snacks are a perfect chili companion. Spicy and flavourful! 

1 box of Cheese Poppers, Fiesta flavour 

INGREDIENTS for the Chili

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium red onion, chopped

• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped

• 2 medium carrots, chopped

• 2 ribs celery, chopped

• ½ teaspoon salt, divided

• 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced

• 2 tablespoons chili powder*

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika*

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 large can (28 ounces) or 2 small cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes**, with their juices

• 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

• 2 cups vegetable broth or water

• 1 bay leaf

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, plus more for garnishing

• 1 to 2 teaspoons sherry vinegar or red wine vinegar or lime juice, to taste

• Garnishes: chopped cilantro, sliced avocado, tortilla chips, sour cream.