#chili

#chili

Fluffy, delicious, and making plenty of room to add your choice of wholesome toppings, baked potatoes are an excellent side dish that can be prepared a number of different ways. Between the oven, microwave, air fryer, and more, there are many ways to bake a potato - and even more ways to spruce them up with your favorite ingredients. Chili is a winter staple that's sure to provide even more delicious and nutritious value to bulk up your baked potatoes in the cooler months.

Without elaborate or expensive ingredients, chili still holds such a magnetic pull. Right as you step through the kitchen door, it's already impossible to resist following its hearty scent to the stove, where browned beef is simmering in spices, aromatics, and tomato sauce. What else could you possibly need when the temperature drops and your belly longs for a comforting warmth? Not much, except a cinnamon stick. It may seem like an optional afterthought, but trust us, this simple addition could make your chili more heartwarming than you thought possible.

Most people who try it don't even realize there's no meat until I tell them. It's that satisfying and hearty! As a cookbook author who specializes in vegetarian and vegan recipes, I've made my share of sub-par meatless chili recipes. Finally, I hit upon my favorite formula! This chili has fire roasted tomatoes for smokiness, two types of beans, quinoa, and a few secret ingredients that create a savory depth that feels satisfying even though it's totally plant-based.

Wendy's chili, part of its original 1969 menu, is often paired with Cinnabon Pull-Aparts in the Midwest, a tradition that has evolved over generations.

Adding cocoa to chili creates a delicious flavor enhancement. Unsweetened cocoa intensifies savory elements without adding sugar, making chili richer and more umami.