Chili Con Cashews

Ingredients

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 to 2 carrots, grated
• 2 onions, chopped
• 1 to 2 green peppers, chopped
• 1 to 2 tbsp. oil
• 1 cup raw cashews
• 2 to 3 cups kidney beans, cooked
• 4 cups chopped tomatoes, with their liquid
• 1 tsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp chili powder, or to taste
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt or less
• dash pepper
• 1/4 c raisins
• 1/2 c grated cheese, Swiss or Cheddar
• 1/2 to 1/2 c. sesame seeds
• 2 tbsp dry wine or vinegar, optional
• 1/2 lb. mushrooms, sliced, optional
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced, optional