Double Date.

I know, I know. This movie has been out for a couple months now, but we finally went to see it tonight. I was more excited about the adorable couple we went to see it with, but it was a good movie. I realized more than ever that Justin Timberlake does not need to be in movies, the facebook guy is a jerk and a genius, and I love the smell of popcorn.

What was even more better than the movie, was the crockpot chili with cornbread dumplings that we finished off before heading out. I urge you to make this. Double urge. Wait, TRIPLE urge you to make this. You won't even miss the meat. I promise. 

Smokey Red Bean Chili w/ 

Chipotle- Cornbread Dumplins 
Vegan on the Cheap by Robin Robertson

Chili

1 tbsp olive oil 
1 large red onion, minced 
1 medium green bell pepper, minced 
2 garlic cloves, minced 
2 tbsp chili powder 
1 tsp smoked paprika 
1-1/2 tsp ground cumin 
1/2 tsp dried oregano 
1 (14.5 ounce) can of crushed tomatoes 
1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes, undrained 
3 cans of dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 
1 chipotle chili in adobo, minced 
1 cup water 
1 tsp salt 
1/2 tsp black pepper 

Dumplings 
1 cup yellow cornmeal 
1/2 cup all-purpose flour 
1-1/2 tsp baking powder 
1/2 tsp salt 
3/4 cup plain unsweetened soy milk 
2 tbsp olive oil 
1 or 2 chipotle chilis in adobo, minced 

1) Make the chili: Pour the oil into a 4 to 5 quart slow cooker. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. 
2) Add the chili powder, paprika, cumin, and oregano. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, beans, chipotle, water, salt, and black pepper. Put the lid on and turn the heat to low. Cook until the chili is thick and the flavors have developed, 6 to 8 hours. 

 3) About 45 minutes before serving time, make the dumplings: In a medium bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the soy milk, oil, and chipotle until just combined. Do not over mix. 
4) Increase the heat to High and drop the batter by the spoonful onto the hot chili. Cover and cook on High until the dumplings are cooked throughout, about 30 minutes. Serve immediately.

 The perfect chili for a cold, winter's night. Eat it up!