While the summer heat often makes us go for lighter foods, that doesn’t mean we don’t still want chili—so we made a lighter, brighter version. Equally perfect for a casual summer supper at home as it is for fueling a cookout or tailgate, these chili bowls are loaded up with vibrant veggies. To keep this tasty entree quick and simple, we use canned chili as a base, then dress it up with grilled corn and zucchini, black beans, fresh avocado slices, cilantro, queso fresco, and a handful of corn chips for good measure. Serve with lime wedges and you have a summer hit on your hands. While this recipes is especially convenient for when you want a tasty bowl chili, but don’t necessarily want to eat off of a huge batch of it for days, the recipe is easily multiplied to accommodate larger crowds.
How to Make It
Heat chili according to package directions. Keep warm.
Preheat grill to high (450°F to 550°F) or grill pan over high. Rub corn and zucchini evenly with oil; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill corn and zucchini, uncovered, turning often, until corn is charred and zucchini is tender-crisp and charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate, and let stand until cool enough to handle. Cut corn kernels from cob; discard cob. Roughly chop zucchini.
Divide chili evenly between 2 shallow bowls. Top each evenly with corn, zucchini, black beans, avocado, bell pepper, scallions, cilantro, queso fresco, and chips. Garnish with lime wedges.