Super "Meaty" Chili with TVP and Cornbread

TVP was introduced to me by my sister. She has made many meals out of it, including tacos that I enjoyed. I found it in the bulk section of Whole Foods, which is the only place I want to shop these days. Don't be surprised by the look of it. It's dry flakes. Just try it.

Most of the time, TVP needs to be re hydrated in hot water for 8-10 minutes, unless it will be hydrated when cooking, such as in a soup with extra liquid. But the secret in this recipe is to only partially rehydrate the TVP, so that it absorbs some of the spices from the chili and the liquid from the tomatoes.

From: The Everything Vegan Cookbook
Chili
Serves 6
1 1/2 cups TVP granules
1 cup hot vegetable broth
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 yellow onion, chopped
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 cup corn kernals (fresh, frozen, or canned)
2 15 oz cans beans (black, kidney or pinto)
15 oz can diced tomatoes
1 jalapeno pepper, minced, or 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp cumin
2 tbsp chili powder
salt and pepper to taste

Cover the TVP with hot vegetable broth and soy sauce. Allow to sit for 3-4 minutes only, then drain.  In a large soup or stock pot, saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until onions are soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add remaining ingredients and TVP, stirring well to combine. Cover and allow to simmer over low heat for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasonings to taste.

From: The Joy of Vegan Baking
Cornbread
9 servings
1 1/2 cups nondairy milk
1 1/2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
1 cup cornmeal (or polenta)
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
3 tbsp granulated sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp canola oil
1/2 to 1 cup organic whole corn kernels (optional)

Preheat the oven to 425. Lightly oil a 9 x 9 inch baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine the milk and vinegar, and set aside.

Mix the cornmeal, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda in a large bowl. Add the milk and vinegar mixture as well as the oil. If adding the corn kernels, now is the time to do so.  Stir until blended. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake until the top is golden brown, 25-30 minutes. You may serve it at room temperature, but it's most delectable hot out of the oven.