Mole-Style Chili with Tamale Croutons

Broiling small cubes of polenta creates crunchy croutons with appealing charred edges—the perfect finish to this deliciously spiced vegan chili.

Tip: Chile peppers contain oils that can irritate your skin and eyes. Wear plastic or rubber gloves when working with them. 

By Nancy Macklin, RDN,

Ingredients

  • ½ of a 16-oz. pkg. tube-style polenta
  • 1 8-oz. pkg. fresh cremini mushrooms, coarsely chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped (1 cup)
  • 1 fresh jalapeño chile, seeded and finely chopped (see tip in recipe intro)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon date paste
  • 1 tablespoon no-salt-added almond butter
  • 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano, crushed
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 1 15-oz. can no-salt-added tomato sauce
  • 1 14.5-oz. can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 15-oz. can no-salt-added black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 15-oz. can no-salt-added pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1½ cups frozen fire-roasted corn
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional toppings, such as toasted pepitas, chopped fresh cilantro, and/or julienne-cut jicama

Instructions

  • Preheat broiler. For croutons, cut polenta into ½-inch cubes. Place polenta in a single layer on a baking sheet. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp and lightly browned, tossing once. Cool on a wire rack.
  • In a large pot cook the next five ingredients (through garlic) over medium 5 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding water, 1 to 2 Tbsp. at a time, as needed to prevent sticking.
  • Stir in the next seven ingredients (through cinnamon); cook 1 to 2 minutes. Add the next six ingredients (through corn). Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer 30 to 40 minutes to blend flavors.
  • Season with salt and black pepper. Top servings with croutons and, if desired, pepitas, cilantro, and jicama.
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Comments (12)

(5 from 5 votes)

Recipe Rating

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Barbara

Hubby does not eat beans. I would toss the croutons in a seasoning and bake not broil. Otherwise, really yummy.

Laura

I haven't made this yet but I think I will add polenta cubes as is not toasted

Vanda

can't add to the planner :(

Phoebe

The chili itself was very tasty. I love recipes that have unusual ingredients, and this fit the bill! I did not have date paste, so I substituted two pitted dates. The croutons did not turn out. There’s no way to make them crunchy with such a short time under the broiler. I was able to rescue them by shifting my oven to convection, thereby dehydrating them. I think they would have been tastier had I sprinkle them with salt before putting them into the heat. Next time, I think I will try tofu instead.

Richard Vaughan

I can't find tube style polenta in Thailand. Is there anything that would make a good substitute?

Mike Francis

just make your own.. its so easy.

Ricky Vaughan

Hi, I can't find tube style polenta anywhere here in Thailand. Is there anything that would make a good substitute?

Susan

I think you could use grits made very thick.

Becki Henderson

This is delicious, but time-consuming. Since my son has nut allergies, I used a tablespoon of pepitas (pumpkin seeds) and blended them with the tomato sauce instead of using the almond butter.

Amanda Thornton

Can't add to the meal planner

cheryl rodzach

I can't add to Planner

cliff

i could eat this once a week

About the Author

Headshot of Nancy Macklin

About the Author

Nancy Macklin, RDN

Nancy Macklin has a bachelor of science in dietetics from Iowa State University and a Master of Science in health services administration from the University of Saint Francis. Macklin worked as a hospital-based clinical dietitian, providing counseling for diabetes, heart disease, and weight loss and as a food service director in health care dining sites. She now serves as a test kitchen dietitian, developing 500+ recipes per year. She is a member of the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics and International Association of Culinary Professionals. Find her on LinkedIn.
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