Vegan Frito Pie

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rice wine or distilled white vinegar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegan sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 jalapeño, sliced into 1/4-inch rings
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• One Fritos
• 1 cup leftover vegan or vegetarian chili, heated
• 1/2 avocado, sliced, optional
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, optional
• 1 or 2 sliced scallions, optional
• 1 lime wedge, optional

Directions

1. Stir the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt together in a small saucepan, then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Add the jalapeño and red onion, and cook, stirring often, until the onion is lightly softened and translucent and the jalapeños have turned a muted green, about 2 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and set it aside.
2. With a knife or kitchen shears, carefully cut open the front of the Frito's bag, then gently pull the sides apart. Set the bag upright in a bowl with the opening facing up.
3. Add half of the chili to the chips and stir it in. Spoon the remaining chili over the top, then add the pickled onions and jalapeño rings, sliced avocado, cilantro, and scallions if desired. Let it sit until the chips soften to the texture you want, then eat with the lime wedge if desired.