BEAN RAGOUT WITH CILANTRO-CORNMEAL DUMPLINGS

2 cans (14.5-oz each) tomatoes, chopped and juice reserved

1 1/2 cups chopped red bell pepper
1 large onion, chopped
1 can (15.5-oz) pinto or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15.5-oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 small zucchini, sliced
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/2 cup chopped celery
1 poblano chili pepper, seeded  and chopped (wear gloves when handling)
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt, divided
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp vegetable shortening
2 tbsp shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tsp minced fresh cilantro
1/4 cup milk

Combine tomatoes with juice, bell peppers, beans, zucchini, celery, poblano pepper, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper in slow cooker; mix together well. Cover and cook on low 7 to 8 hours.

1 hour before serving, make the dumplings: Mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder and remaining salt in a medium bowl. Cut in the shortening until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in cheese and cilantro. Pour milk into the flour mixture and blend just until dry ingredients are moistened. Turn slow cooker to high. Drop dumplings, 1 level tablespoonful at a time (large will not cook properly) on top of the ragout. Cover and cook 1 hour or until a wooden toothpick inserted into dumplings comes out clean.

Yield: 6 servings

FILE PHOTO