Vegetarian chili with beans, zucchini, and mushrooms

Ingredients:

• 3 cups of boiled or canned red beans (drain and rinse)
• 2 cups white beans (drain and rinse)
• 1 medium zucchini, diced into small cubes (ends trimmed)
• 680 g washed and diced portobello mushroom caps (about 5 large ones)
• 2-3 serrano peppers, chopped (stem and seeds removed), to taste
• 4 large tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
• 1 can (425 g) of tomato sauce
• 1 cup vegetable broth or water
• 2 tbsp. l. canola oil
• 1.5 cups chopped onion
• 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 2 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tbsp. ground cumin
• 1 and 1/4 teaspoons salt
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Cooked brown rice, corn, as a side dish
• Sour cream or strained plain yogurt, diced avocado, green onions and Creole spice mix, for serving

Creole Spice Mix:

• 2.5 tbsp paprika
• 2 tbsp. salt
• 2 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. black pepper
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp. l. dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme

Preparation:

1. Heat oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, garlic, and serrano pepper. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
   
   Add the zucchini and mushrooms and cook, stirring, until softened, about 6 minutes, until the vegetables release their juices and begin to brown around the edges. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, and cayenne pepper and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
2. Add the tomatoes and stir well. Add the beans, tomato sauce, and vegetable broth, stir well, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes.
   
   Remove from heat and add cilantro. Adjust seasonings to taste.
   
   To serve, place 1/4 cup brown rice in the bottom of a deep bowl. Spoon the chili over the rice. Garnish each serving with a dollop of sour cream and avocado. Sprinkle with Creole spice mix and green onions and serve.
   
   Creole Spice Mix: Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Yield: 2/3 cup.