It is still winter and I am still making mostly soup for dinner. My friend Pat introduced me to the dehydrated bits of soy protein this week. I also found black beans, which I have not seen before in France. I thought chili seemed like the natural route to take with these new found ingredients. Allons-y!
Black Bean & Soy Protein Vegetarian Chili
1 Cup of Black Beans soaked over night
1 Med Onion
1 Can of Stewed Tomatoes (canned by you if possible)
1 Cup Dehydrated Soy Protein crumbles (small)
1/3 Cup of Red Quinoa
Oregano, Salt, Chili and Chipotle Powder
- Saute the onions, then add the beans, some oregano and 6 cups of water to your dutch oven or enamel pot – until beans are tender 2 hrs approximately
- Add the quinoa, tomatoes, some coarse salt and the chili powders to your liking; cook for another 10 minutes or until quinoa is soft.
- Turn off the stove and add a cup of dehydrated soy crumbles, put on the lid and let sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve with the Swiss Chard Pesto and creme fraiche(for the non vegan version)
My Kitchen in Provence 
Where did you find the black beans? I just got into provence a couple days ago and didn’t see any at my local biocoop or u express. Back home in LA we eat a lot of black beans and I was hoping to make chili or veggie burgers. Thanks!
Hi Nicole and bienvenue en France! You can only find dried black beans in France, in the bio stores. I know they have them at Bio & Co in Les Milles. You also might find them in a place called La Corbeille on the rue Cordelier between Sextius and Hotel de Ville. I know they had dried pinto beans there..(haricot rose). Also good to know is there is a good brand of canned beans, I believe they sell it at Bio & Co, called Bio Idea. They have 2 white beans, kidney, chick peas and a mix of all of those. They are the only canned beans worth buying. And if you want to go to the biggest bio store around and stock up, you will head to Marcel and fils in plan de campagne, but not on a weekend. Plan to eat lunch because it’s some of the best organic food around. Good luck!