Chili Mac

Chili Mac is a comforting fusion of chili and macaroni, packed with bold flavors and a hearty texture. This vegetarian version is loaded with beans, vegetables, and spices, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• Macaroni pasta - 1 cup (200g)
• Olive oil - 1 tablespoon (15ml)
• Onion - 1 medium, diced
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Bell pepper - 1 medium, diced
• Zucchini - 1 medium, diced
• Canned diced tomatoes - 1 cup (240g)
• Kidney beans - 1 cup (240g), drained and rinsed
• Chili powder - 2 tablespoons (30g)
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon (5g)
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon (3g)
• Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon (1g)
• Vegetable broth - 1 cup (240ml)
• Shredded cheese (optional) - 1/2 cup (60g)
• Fresh cilantro (optional) - for garnish

Steps

1. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the diced bell pepper and zucchini to the pot, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the pot, stirring to combine everything well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
7. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top and cover the pot for a minute until the cheese melts.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 15 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 10 mg
• Total Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in fiber, promoting digestive health.
• Rich in plant-based protein, supporting muscle repair and growth.

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