Super Simple Chili in the Raw

RFR member & vlogger Rachael Renee Gerkensmeyer is back with another featured recipe for National Mushroom Month! Connect with her at http://rawfoodrehab.ning.com/profile/RachaelGerkensmeyer
Her website/blog: http://rawhighlife.com
Youtube Channel: http://youtube.com/rachaelreneegerk
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http://facebook.com/rachae.lrenee.gerk

Super Simple Chili in the Raw:
3 cups freshly chopped tomatoes
½ cup sundried tomatoes, soaked in warm water for 30 minutes
2 cups diced mushrooms of choice
½ cup diced carrots
½ cup diced celery
½ cup diced sweet peppers, any color
1 Tbsp cumin
Freshly chopped jalapeno to taste
1 Tbsp dried Italian herbs –OR- a handful of your favorite fresh herbs
2 cloves diced garlic (optional)
2 Tbsp EVOO (for richness, optional)

Once the sundried tomatoes have softened, chop them in to tiny pieces and throw them in to a large bowl along with the fresh tomatoes, mushrooms, carrots, celery, and bell peppers. In a small bowl mix the cumin, jalapeno, herbs, garlic, olive oil if using, and about a ¼ cup water until combined well and then stir it in to the vegetable mixture. Let marinade (in the sun if possible) for at least an hour and enjoy!