Vegetable Chilli

This wonderful Vegetable Chilli recipe is taken from my new book Eat Right, Balance Hormones which helps you uncover the root cause of hormonal imbalances and shows how you can adjust your diet in order to achieve a better balance.

Ingredients

Serves 4

• 1 tbsp Coconut oil
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 1 Red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 Yellow pepper, finely chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, mined
• 1 Courgette, finely chopped
• 2 Red chillies, finely chopped
• 2 tsp Cumin
• 2 tsp Smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 2 x 400g tin Mixed beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 x 400g tin Plum tomatoes
• 1 tbsp Tomato puree

Guacamole

• 2 Avocados, peeled and destoned
• 1 Small tomato, finely chopped
• ½ Small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 Small red chilli, finely chopped
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 tbsp Fresh coriander, finely chopped

Method

1. Heat the oil in a casserole dish over a low heat then gently cook the onion, peppers and garlic for 10 minutes until softened.
   
2. Add the courgette, chilli and spices and cook for a further 10 minutes. 
   
3. Add the beans, tomatoes, puree and half a tin of water. Stir well, breaking up the tomatoes with the back of the spoon. Bring to the boil then simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and reduced. 
   
4. Meanwhile, make the guacamole. Mash the avocado and mix with the rest of the ingredients then serve with the chilli. 

Vegetable chilli is a nutritious and beneficial meal choice for women in perimenopause. It combines vegetables, beans, and spices, making it rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and can help with weight management – a common focus during perimenopause. The high fiber content also promotes a feeling of fullness, supporting healthy eating habits. Beans, a key ingredient in chilli, are a great source of protein and phytoestrogens, which can help in balancing hormonal fluctuations typical in perimenopause. The variety of vegetables used in chili provides an array of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health, immune function, and combating oxidative stress. Additionally, the spices commonly used in chili, like cumin and paprika, have anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for reducing joint discomfort often associated with hormonal changes.