Midterms looming. Essays calling. Homework knocking. It was time for some serious comfort food.
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I invited a few friends over to de-stress, and together we cooked up Wally’s Chili and polenta. Then we spent a few hours painting our nails, listening to music, and relaxing. After my friends went home, I turned back to my other good friends– the essays, midterms, and homework. But now, I had renewed energy!
Wally’s Tofu Chili
(For the story on this chili, click here)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium green pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp olive oil
- 16oz extra-firm tofu, drained and crumbled
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 19oz can red kidney beans, drained
- 1 19oz can pinto beans, drained
- 1 19oz can garbanzo beans, drained
- 1 28oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 14oz cans tomato sauce
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 1/4 tablespoons chili powder
Saute the first four ingredients over medium heat. Add the tofu, cumin, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, and saute until crisp and lightly browned (10 minutes). Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 45 to 55 minutes.
Really good when served with creamy polenta!
Creamy Polenta
- 1 cup polenta (I use whole-grain)
- 3 cups non-dairy milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Optional: 1/2 tablespoon vegan margarine
Bring non-dairy milk and salt to a boil. Add polenta and margarine (if using), and reduce heat. Cook slowly for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand for a couple of minutes. Serves 3-4.
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{ 28 comments… read them below or add one }
Best of luck on your midterms!! Oh I really don’t miss those (although there’s lots about school I do miss) An afternoon off sounds like just the way to give you the energy to get back to studying! Those corn muffins look tasty…
Ah, corn muffins and chili! That’s a great way to de-stress…sounds like you had fun. Where’s the picture of your nails, hmmm?
Too bad homework and essays are not friends with me. I’d call them enemies, in fact. Hehe.
Cool, you just inspired me to de-stress in the kitchen. There is nothing like good food to energize and facilitate focus!
I hear you! It’s the perfect time for comfort foods. Best of luck on your midterms and essays. =)
Excellent. De-stressing is important, and those muffins look like a perfect way to do just that. Good luck with the midterms, essays and homework! I’m glad it’s not completely killing you. That photo makes me smile, you both look so happy!
you are adorable! good luck with midterms and essays and such! i know you will do well!
Chili sounds so so good right now.
Chili and cornbread – yum! Good luck on midterms!
You are SO cute.
Those muffins look really awesome!!!
Awwww, good luck! I can’t wait to make Wally’s chili
I emphasis how pretty you are again.
Ah I remember how happy I was when I found out oreos were vegan! They’re like a universal key ingredient in deserts! Before that I thought being vegan was going to be so tough.
I love Isa’s sunny corn muffins, they rock! But I haven’t made these much cause I was scared of 1/2 a cup of oil in just 12 muffins.
Sounds like a great balance… I’m sure that delicious food fueled your brain and the fun time with friends gave you a nice break..
Good luck!
That chili looks and sounds delicious. And I’ve always wanted to try corn muffins!
Hopefully college isn’t too stressful! At least you have the best food and great friends to give you the enrgy you need =)
I. Love. Corn. Muffins! Or corn bread, or anything baked and corny! Of course, chili is the perfect sidekick!
I love corn muffins (they’re so versatile–either sweet OR savory!), and the combo of those plus chili sounds perfect for studying/de-stressing. Good luck on the midterms. I can relate, from the other side, at least–all the marking!!
Thanks, too, for your comment on my blog–it is much appreciated!
Nice way to destress! Mmmm chili and corn muffins.
Good luck with all your homework and tests!
I love chili! My left overs I turn into goulash, but adding some ww pasta and corn. So good anytime of the year. Those corn muffins looks great!
what a lovely picture!! Two happy beautiful vegans (or your friend isn’t?)!!!
I do believe being vegan changes our body image and makes us seem so much more at ease with our body!
I was highly amused by your story about eating Ethiopian with your dad! You’re lucky you have a raging metabolism.
I’ve been dreaming about Ethiopian food ever since dinner on Friday, and I’ll definitely be going back soon. It’s so fun to eat from a communal plate, but I want to follow your example and order a big old combo plate for myself!
I actually used to drink decaf 100% of the time, but I became more lenient and then got myself semi-addicted to caffeine over the past couple of months. A fully-caffeinated latte just makes me feel so good and happy! I can see why you say caffeine gets to you, and I know it’s not very healthy…
So I just have a little every day and try to take care of myself as best I can in other ways!
Midterms? Seriously?! It seems so early in the year. Wasn’t new year’s eve, like, last weekend or something?
Anyways, it looks like you de-stressed in the best way possible. I think corn bread/muffins is my ultimate comfort food. Especially warm from the oven.
i’m glad to hear yr taking a break from midterm stuff. chili and corn muffins sound like the perfect enery booster.
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Good luck with the exams. Comfort food is a must as it uplifts the spirits so does wonders in getting the brain cells going
What an awesome way to de-stress. Food and friends- nothing beats that. It keeps ya sane!
Good luck on those midterms.
Good luck on the mid-terms!
Corn muffins sound great. Good luck with your exams.
I made this chili for a psychic party last night. It was very well received.
I’m so excited you made it!
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