Three-Bean Vegetarian Chili

2 red bell peppers

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup chopped onion

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

4 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups vegetable broth

1 1/2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash

1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onions

1. Preheat broiler.

2. Cut bell peppers in half length-wise. Remove and discard seeds and membranes. Place pepper halves, skin sides up, on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 15 minutes or until blackened. Place pepper halves in a zip-top plastic bag; seal. Let stand 15 minutes. Peel and chop peppers.

3. Heat a Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add oil to pan: swirl to coat. Add onion; cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in cumin and next 4 ingredients (through garlic); cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Add bell peppers, broth, squash, and tomatoes; bring to a simmer. Cook 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans; simmer 25 minutes or until slightly thick, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with green onions.

Adapted from Cooking Light magazine, Jan/Feb 2010

Chicken Cashew Stir Fry

Ingredients

1/2 cup fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons oyster sauce (I left this out)
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch (I used flour)
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons rice or white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons oil, divided
1 cup chopped green onions, divided
1 small onion, cut into 8 wedges
1 cup (3 x 1/4-inch) julienne-cut red bell pepper
1/2 cup diagonally sliced carrot
1 cup sliced mushrooms
1 cup snow peas
1 pound skinned, boned chicken thighs, cut into bite-size pieces (I used a boneless, skinless chicken breast)
1/4 cup canned pineapple chunks in juice, drained
1/3 cup cashews
1/2 to 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
6 cups hot cooked long-grain rice

Preparation
Combine first 7 ingredients in a small bowl; set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a stir-fry pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add 1/2 cup green onions and onion wedges; stir-fry 1 minute. Add bell pepper and carrot; stir-fry 2 minutes. Add mushrooms and peas; stir-fry 2 minutes. Remove vegetable mixture from pan. Keep warm.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken; stir-fry 5 minutes. Add broth mixture, vegetable mixture, pineapple, cashews, and crushed red pepper; bring to a boil, and cook 1 minute or until thick. Stir in 1/2 cup green onions. Serve with rice. Serves 6.

Source: My Sister's Kitchen