Brenna's Vegetarian Chili Supreme (meat optional)

This recipe can be easily modified to add most any ingredient you wish. If you like meat chili, it is easy to add meat. I made this with leftover turkey meat at Thanksgiving and it was extremely flavorful. Also consider using toppings for your chili like sour cream, green onions, more cilantro, and bacon bits.

Ingredients:
3 TB oil
1 large 24oz can diced tomatoes
1 onion chopped
1 large red bell pepper chopped
3 green chilies seeded and chopped fine (serrano peppers work well)
8 cloves garlic pressed
1 1/2 TB cumin seeds
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 TB coriander powder
2 1/2 TB chili powder
2 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
1 1/2 TB dried oregano
1/2 TB thyme
1 TB basil
1 TB brown sugar
3 cups canned beans (black, kidney and pinto work well) - drained and rinsed
3 cups frozen veggies (veggie medley works well or gumbo or corn or peas)
2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 bunch chopped fresh cilantro
1 TB lime juice

Instructions:
Heat oil in a large pot on medium high. Add onions and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent. Add the red bell pepper and cook for another 3 minutes. Add the garlic then push the ingredients to the wall to create a well. Add an extra TB of oil to the center. Then add cumin seeds to the center and cook until they start to brown (about 30 seconds). Mix together all ingredients. Add coriander powder, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. Cook for another minute or two. Add 2 cups of vegetable stock (water if you don't have stock) making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook until thickened. Add oregano, thyme, basil, brown sugar, and tomatoes. Bring to a simmer again and put the lid on. Simmer for at least 25 minutes. Stir occasionally, making sure to scrape to the bottom of the center of the pan. Add a cup of water if it gets too solid and starts sticking to the bottom. Add beans and frozen veggies. Mix and cook for 2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and add cilantro and lime.