The winning Vegetarian Chili at the Coal Creek Canyon Improvement Association 2026 Chili Cook Off was made by Norma Cassin. She has graciously shared her recipe with all The Mountain-Ear readers. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 package soy chorizo 

1 can black beans 

1 can pinto beans 

1 can kidney beans 

1 large purple onion, minced 

4-5 cloves garlic, minced 

1 large can chopped tomatoes 

1 large zucchini, finely chopped 

3-4 stalks celery, finely chopped 

1 small can V-8 juice 

Cumin, chili powder, Tajin spice, salt and pepper.

Instructions:

In a medium pot, sauté onions and garlic. Add celery and zucchini. Add chorizo. Mix and simmer for a few minutes.

Add the spices and juice.

Reduce flame to low and cook for about 20 minutes.