Tick Tick Boom Vegetarian Bean Chili

Ingredients:

- 1 tablespoon Tick Tick Boom seasoning

- 1 cup dried black beans

- 1 cup dried kidney beans

- 1 cup dried pinto beans

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 large onion, diced

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 large carrots, diced

- 2 stalks celery, diced

- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes

- 1 cup vegetable broth (or more, as needed)

- 2 teaspoons ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- Fresh cilantro, for garnish

- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions:

1. Soak the Beans:

Rinse the black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans thoroughly. Place them in a large bowl and cover with water. Let the beans soak overnight or for at least 8 hours. Drain and rinse them before cooking.

2. Cook the Beans:

In a large pot, add the soaked beans and cover them with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the beans are tender but not mushy. Drain the beans and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.

4. Add Seasonings and Tomatoes:

Stir in the Tick Tick Boom seasoning, ground cumin, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute until the spices become fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir everything to combine.

5. Simmer the Chili:

Add the cooked beans to the pot and bring the chili to a simmer. Cover and cook over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the chili becomes too thick, add more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.

6. Season to Taste:

Taste the chili and season with salt and pepper, adjusting the heat by adding more Tick Tick Boom if you want it spicier.

7. Serve:

Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Add optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices for extra flavor.

Tips:

- For added depth, you can sauté the vegetables with a splash of Worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.

- This chili pairs well with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side.

This Tick Tick Boom Vegetarian Bean Chili is packed with colorful beans, bold flavors, and just the right amount of heat. The hearty combination of beans and vegetables creates a satisfying dish.