Root Veggie Chili: Recipe 7 of 12
Welcome to Busy Women Mealtime Makeover! Whether you are one of the lovely busy ladies participating in the makeover or just interested in taking your meals up a notch – girl, do I have some rockin’ recipes for you! From now until March 2nd, I’ll be featuring twelve new delicious makeover-friendly recipes. These recipes are from other busy women like me and you! This week, we are focusing on eating more winter foods. (And if you want to join in and get the entire makeover PDF complete with meal plans, shopping lists and recipes, videos and photos of me cooking for added support, weekly emails with additional recipes and kitchen tips and tricks and access to our online forum, you can totally start a few days late – click here and sign up!)
A few weeks ago, my friend Michelle asked to interview me via Skype for her Befriend Your Body Week program. Well, we had a blast during the interview. It was my first time using Skype. We laughed, talked and laughed some more. Check out this fabulous program. It is going on this week!
Michelle, you are busy, right? How do you get a decent, healthy meal on the table?
Getting a healthy meal on the table requires planning. I think about the week ahead when I write my grocery list. I know what nights I have more time to cook and what nights I will need to spice up my leftovers. I love the “cook once, eat twice or more” strategy. Some nights are really wild when my kids have to be in different places and I have to work so I always make sure to have quick easy things in the fridge/cabinet for crazy nights such as eggs for dinner, whole wheat pasta and frozen veggies.
Why do you make healthy, real food a priority?
Eating real, healthy food used to be a huge challenge. I was a sugar addict, junk food vegetarian, and didn’t know how to cook. After I had my first child it became very clear to me that I needed to step it up in order to pass down healthy habits to my family. I started getting in the kitchen and realized it is not that hard and actually a lot of fun to cook. At this point, my body craves real food. Eating healthy and enjoying real food makes me feel my best and makes me a calmer, happier mom.
What is your favorite thing to make when it is cold outside?
Soups and chili are my favorite cold weather meals. When I have lots of time, I love baking bread because it is super fun to make and smells and tastes amazing.
What is that one thing that busy people can do this winter to eat a little healthier?
Enjoy your greens. Add them to your soups and smoothies. Try to get more rest. It is natural for your body to need more sleep during the winter.
What is your favorite gadget in the kitchen?
Tough question, I have lots of favorites. This time of year I would have to say my immersion blender. Cheap, simple and perfect for pureeing soups.
Root Veggie Chili
Ingredients:
1 medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 medium rutabagas (chopped in small pieces)
3 parsnips (chopped)
3 carrots (chopped)
1 (15 ounce, preferably Eden brand) can Kidney Beans with their liquid
1 (15 ounce, preferably Eden brand) can Garbanzo Beans with their liquid
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup mild salsa
1-2 tablespoons chili powder
1 cup frozen organic corn
Directions:
- Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat
- Add onion and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of chili powder (depending on how spicy your family likes it) and cook 2 minutes
- Add rutabagas, parsnips, and carrots and cook 2 more minutes
- Add beans with their liquid, tomatoes, and salsa to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, lower the heat and continue cooking for 30-40 minutes. During the last 10 minutes of cooking, add in the corn.
- Serve over brown rice or quinoa. Enjoy your chili with your favorite greens.
Thanks Michelle! Learn more about Michelle and her business, Healthy Hot Mama Wellness, over here.
**Check out all the Busy Women Mealtime Makeover recipes by clicking here.**
