Tonight's main dish is inspired by Jennifer Schmoo of Vegan Lunchbox fame, namely her recipe for vegan Tennessee Corn Pone. I have no idea what pone is, exactly, but I liked the idea of a cornbread topping over chili. So, I whipped up my own chili and topped it with her pone recipe. I also made her nacho cheese sauce which is absolutely delicious drizzled over tortilla chips laced with salsa.Note: I was cooking for 7 tonight (my in laws are up for a visit). Feel free to half the recipe.
Cornbread Chili
CHILI INGREDIENTS
- 2 tbsp oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 small red onion, large dice
- 1 green pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 red pepper, seeded and diced
- 1 orange pepper, seeded and diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked red kidney beans
- 2 tbsp chili powder (or more)
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large can plum tomatoes (with juice), roughly chopped
CORNBREAD INGREDIENTS
- 2 1/4 cups plain soymilk
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup ground flax seed
- 1 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
METHOD:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
1. Saute onions, peppers, and garlic in oil over med-hi heat until onions are translucent. Add in beans and spices and mix thoroughly. Add in tomatoes and heat to bubbling. (You want a drier chili than normal so the cornbread topping will cook properly)
2. Whisk soymilk, flax, and vinegar in a medium bowl. Mix cornmeal, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Add in wet ingredients and mix until moistened.
3. Put chili in a lightly oiled cast iron pan (a big one--at least 12 inches). Top with cornbread batter. Bake for 30-35 mins, or until cornbread is firm and cooked through.
Nacho Cheese Sauce
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup raw cashews
- 4 oz jar of pimentos, drained
- 1 cup nutritional yeast
- 3 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp, salt
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
METHOD:
1. Blend all ingredients until very smooth. Whisk in a saucepan over medium heat until thickened and bubbling.
