Slow Cooker Black Bean Chili

Why I Love This Recipe
about.com - Your Guide to Southern Food
Ingredients You'll Need
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup chopped onion
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or to taste
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 to 3 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried leaf oregano
1 bay leaf
1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes in juice
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 1/2 cups water
1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 cans (16 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (16 ounces each) beans -- pinto, garbanzo, great northern, kidney beans, etc. -- drained and rinsed
grated cheese, sour cream, chopped parsley, chopped hard-cooked egg, green onion, or other garnishes
Directions
1. Heat the oil in a skillet and saute the onions, garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 1 minute, then add chili powder and cumin and cook 2 minutes, stirring.
2. Add this mixture to the slow cooker/Crock Pot along with all remaining ingredients except canned beans and garnishes.