Veggie Chili Dogs and Zesty Fries

Being a mom I have to be sure to make vegetables fun to eat. So what better way than turning them into chili and putting it on top of a turkey dog!

2 small zucchini
1 orange bell pepper
1 chipotle pepper
3 cloves garlic
1 cup baby spinach leaves
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons cumin
1 bag veggie crumbles (you can use ground beef or turkey if you want)
4 oz shredded cheddar cheese

8-10 turkey franks grilled on the counter top grill

1 bag zesty fries baked at 425 degrees for 25 minutes

Quarter the zucchini and place them in the bowl to your food processor. Remove the seeds and veins of the bell pepper and quarter it, placing it in the bowl of the food processor. Peel the garlic and put it and the chipotle pepper in the food processor. Turn it on low and purée the vegetables. Add in the spinach and the spices and purée again. Once a chunky salsa texture is achieved set it aside. In a large heavy bottom skillet heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium high heat. Add in the veggie crumbles and cook until brown stirring often. Once the crumbles have browned pour in the vegetable purée and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated. Preheat the counter top grill while the chili is cooking and place on your turkey franks. Grill these until they are heated though. Serve these on whole grain buns topped with the chili and the shredded cheese. Your family will thank you. (If the chili is too green for your family you could try and add a tablespoon of tomato paste and 1/4 water stir well and let it reduce the same way) for more on this recipe or any others please email me at alesia.leach@gmail.com