Smokey Rainbow Chili

Anything with the word "rainbow" will catch my girls' attention...so when I said we were making Rainbow Chili, they both got excited. 
"But, what makes it rainbow mommy?"
"Why all the yummy, colorful veggies and beans we're going to add!"
This is such a filling dish and so totally good for you.  I've included a couple of variations you could try to switch it up and feel free to toss in some ground turkey or beef.  I served the girls' portion over some white rice with a bit of cheese sprinkled on top.  (according to my kids, everything is better with rice....and cheese.)
While you could cook this in your slow cooker, I think that the shorter cooking time allows you to have veggies that still have a bit of crunch...instead of mush.  Also, I went a bit mild with the heat (for the kids sake), but you could always amp it up by leaving in the jalapeno seeds and adding more cayenne pepper.
A great, healthy dish that will leave you full and happy!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 small zucchini, halved and cut into small chunks
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (keep the pieces a bit big...helps to keep them crisp)
• 1 orange bell pepper, chopped
• 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 (14 ounce) cans fire roasted tomatoes, with liquid  
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
• 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste

Directions:

(if using meat...brown the meat really well, remove and set aside.  Add the meat after sauteing the veggies)

Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Stir in zucchini, red bell pepper, orange bell pepper, jalapeno, garlic, and onion. Cook 5 minutes, just until tender.

Add tomatoes with liquid, tomato paste, black beans, corn, and kidney beans into the pot. Season with smoked paprika, chili powder, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Bring to a boil. 

Reduce heat to low and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.