Black Bean Chili

*1/4 cup olive oil *2 cups chopped onions *2/3 cups coarsely chopped hot peppers (about 2 small) *1 large green bell pepper *6 garlic cloves, chopped *2 tablespoons chili powder *2 teaspoons dried basil *1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin *3 15- to 16-ounce cans black beans, drained *1.5 cups fresh tomatoes- crushed in food processor *1 cup water *salt and pepper to taste

Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onions, peppers, and garlic; sauté until onions soften, about 10 minutes. Mix in chili powder, basil, and cumin; stir 2 minutes. Mix in beans, tomatoes and water. Bring chili to boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until flavors blend and chili thickens, stirring occasionally, about 1 hour or longer. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Makes 4 servings. Vegetarian