Arrow on the Doorpost: Vegan Red Chili with Corn Cakes

In an attempt to broker a peace between the Prison Group and Woodbury; Rick, Hershel and Daryl arrive at an abandoned feed mill to talk with The Governor. 

Although it was Andrea who arranged the meeting, she is quickly dismissed by the The Governor and thrown out. Hershel tries his best to comfort Andrea and reminds her that she is family and belongs with Rick's Group. The negotiations deteriorate as The Governor informs Rick of his one and only demand…Michonne.

He will leave the Prison Group alone if they hand over Michonne.

Rick questions The Governor's single-minded thinking and the negotiations come to an abrupt end. On the uncomfortable drive back to the prison, Hershel would insist on unwrapping the lunch that Beth had packed for them.

A victory against The Governor would mean nothing if they died from malnourishment. Red Chili is a hearty and nutritious meal and packs a protein punch thanks to the use of TVP. Corn Cakes make the meal a complete protein and round out the flavors.

And when the dead rise; remember…it's impolite to ask legless strangers to show you their stump.

Red Chili and Corncakes

Red Chili:
1 cup Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Stock)
2 Tbsp. Minced, Dried Onion
1 1/4 cups TVP (Texturized Vegetable Protein)

1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder

1 Tbsp. Dried Oregano
3 tsp. Dried Cumin
1/4 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
2 (14 oz) cans Diced Tomatoes
2 (10 oz) cans Enchilada Sauce
2 (14 oz) cans Pinto or Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
Kosher Salt and Pepper

1/2 of a 16 ounce loaf of Velveeta Queso Blanco, grated (Optional: This will make it vegetarian and not vegan)

Corncakes:
1 box Corn Muffin Mix
Water

For the Red Chili: Heat the stock or broth and minced, dried onion in a large Dutch oven over medium heat or coals. Stir in the TVP all and once and mix well. Warm gently until TVP swells and softens, stirring frequently to avoid scorching. Stir in all the spices, both cans of tomatoes and enchilada sauce and the drained beans. Stir well and allow mixture to come to a boil. Simmer very gently and stir frequently to avoid scorching. Taste and add Kosher Salt and Pepper to taste. If you like your chili spicy add an additional 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper or to taste. 

Serve immediately with Optional grated Queso Blanco cheese and Corn Cakes

For the Corncakes: Prepare Corn Muffin Mix according to package directions (omitting egg), and add an additional 1/4 cup of water. 

Heat 1 Tbsp of oil or butter flavored shortening in a large, cast iron skillet over medium heat or medium coals. Drop corn cake batter into hot shortening with a 1/4 cup measuring cup to form cakes. Spread batter if necessary. Cook for 2 minutes or until small bubbles form in the batter. Using a spatula, flip corn cakes over and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Serve with Red Chili.