Mixed Bean, Barley n Rice Chili

Hi folks, Im back! :-)

Here is the much loved chili which I made for lunch today. Its so warming and delicious, especially  in rainy cool weather like we had today!!

Serves 10 as part of a larger meal.

Ingredients:
2 cups bean and barley mix (Trader Joes), and added 1 handful of black beans, soaked overnight
4 small bay leaves
1 big tsp chili flakes
2 tsp cumin powder
2 tsp curry powder
1 1/2 tsp asafoetida
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 1/2 tsp paprika powder

1 cup tomato chunks (I used canned ones)
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup chopped red and yellow bell pepper
Approx 1-2 TBSP molasses
Approx 2 TBSP maple syrup
Approx 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar
Approx 2 TBSP liquid smoke

3 tsp sea salt or to taste
Approx 1/4 cup olive oil
2 cups cooked brown rice
1 pkg firm tofu made into barbecue tofu (see recipe elsewhere on my blog)

Method
Drain soaking water off the bean and barley mix, rinse and add two parts water to one part bean mix. Add in bay leaves, black pepper, asafoetida, paprika, curry powder, cumin powder and chili flakes. Place on a high flame, and lower heat when it comes to a boil. Cook uncovered til beans are tender, adding water as necessary.

Add in tomato, celery, bell pepper, molasses, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, liquid smoke and continue cooking til veggies are tender. Add sea salt and olive oil. Then stir in the baked barbecue tofu, brown rice and butter, and allow to simmer for a few mins. Stir again so the melted butter is evenly mixed. Remove from heat. Serve hot.

Great with fresh corn bread and baked vegetables. :-)

Barbecue Tofu

In my opinion barbecue tofu is one of the most delicious ways to prepare tofu, and you may like this even if you normally wouldn't eat tofu! Personally I think plain tofu is rather tasteless, and I never actually enjoyed eating it - until I came across baked tofu in Kunti's kitchen. Here's my  barbecue version of it. :-)

Ingredients

2 pks firm organic tofu, drained, sliced medium thin, and patted dry with paper towels

Coating for Tofu:
2 cups olive oil, 1/2 cup tamari, 1 Tbsp smoke flavor, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp asafoetida, 2 Tbsp Italian herbs, 1 Tbsp old Bay spice, 1 tsp ground black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper or chilli flakes.

Add everything into a bowl and beat into an even consistency with a whisk.

Method

Cover the tofu slices evenly with the barbecue coating and arrange on a baking tray. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, til lightly crispy on the edges.

Place on paper towels to remove excess oil. Great as a tasty side to any lunch or dinner. Makes approx six servings.