Instructions: This is a colorful black bean dish that requires little effort to make and is attractive enough to serve on a special occasion. Serve plain or on rice or polenta. If you have leftover chili, you could use it to make a variation of Black Bean Chilaquile. Just use leftover chili, tortillas, greens, and Cheddar cheese. The chili can replace the beans-and-corn layer in the chilaquile-and the salsa layer, too, since this chili is already spicy.

*Prepared salsa gives this chili a "finished" flavor without a lot of cooking.

We recommend a clean-, crisp-flavored salsa, such as La Victoria brand Casera Salsa or Pace brand Picante Sauce.

Serves 4 to 6. Total time: 35 minutes

In a covered soup pot, cook the onions and garlic in the water on high heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. Add the cumin and coriander and stir on high heat for a minute. Stir in the salsa and bell peppers, lower the heat, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the black beans and tomatoes; simmer for 10 minutes. Add the corn and continue to cook for 10 minutes. Add salt and Tabasco to taste. Stir in the cilantro, if desired.

MENU SUGGESTIONS: Smooth, sweet, baked winter squash is the perfect complement for this sparky chili. Add a crisp green salad with Cumin Yogurt Dressing and you have a wonderful meal. Or serve with Almost Fat-Free Cornbread and Guacamole with Cottage Cheese with Sweet Potato Oven "Fries" on the side.

Coffee Angelfood Cake or Chocolate Cocoa Cake will complete a festive meal.

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