Black Bean Chili

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            FOOD FUNNY
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Thanks to Rosemary Zwick of Cape Town, South Africa where
bad puns run through the streets like wild animals.

A man walks into a coffee shop and is given a huge mug which
he takes to his table. But when he tries to drink it he find that,
instead of coffee, the mug contains a pair of beige cotton trousers.
He goes to complain but the counter staff are not very helpful, so
after arguing with them for some time he eventually gets them
to call the shop manager. The manager is very indignant. "But
it's exactly what you asked for," he says.

"No it isn't!" says the customer, "How can this possibly be what
I ordered?"

"It's a cup o' chinos," says the manager.

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            TODAY'S RECIPE
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Here's a meatless stew for the vegetarians among us. It also makes
a great side dish for those of us who would rather have meat as
the main dish.

Black Bean Chili

2 15-oz (425 g) cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-oz (425 g) can chopped tomatoes with their liquid
1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock or water
1-2 green bell peppers, cored, seeded, and chopped
1-2 onions, chopped
4-6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 canned chipotle chile in adobo, chopped (optional)
1 bay (laurel) leaf
2 Tbs (30 ml) chili powder
1 Tbs (15 ml) cumin seeds
1 Tbs (15 ml) dried oregano
Cayenne pepper to taste
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Optional garnishes:
Chopped cilantro (coriander leaves)
Chopped scallions (spring onions)
Chopped radishes
Shredded cheese
Sour cream

Combine all the ingredients in a heavy pot or slow cooker. Cover
tightly and bake in a preheated 300F (150C) oven, or simmer over
a very low flame on the stove top, or cook in the slow cooker set
on high, for 2 to 3 hours. Serve with any or all optional garnishes
if desired. Serves 4 to 6.
Received on Wed Mar 8 07:29:08 2006