My Basic Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 1 jalapeno seeded and finely diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons of your favorite chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 bell pepper seeded and diced
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes*
- 1 cup liquid (water, beer, coffee)
- 2 cans of pinto beans drained & rinsed
- salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, brown meat, onion, jalapeno, and garlic. Drain any fat.
- Add in remaining ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered 30-45 minutes or until chili has reached desired thickness. Add liquid as needed.
- Top with cheese, chopped onions, cilantro or other favorite toppings.
More Toppings: sour cream, Greek yogurt, sliced jalapenos, sliced radishes, cilantro, avocado, tortilla chips, cornbread
Additions/Substitutions:
- Lean ground chicken, pork, bison
- Cubed meats like beef, chicken, pork, lamb, bison
- Leave out the meat and use minced mushrooms
- Fresh or frozen corn kernels
- Cubed sweet potato, winter squash, pumpkin
- Diced carrots, celery
- Diced roasted serrano or poblano peppers
- Black beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, barley
- 1 tablespoon of dark cocoa powder
*If making a white chili (chicken, turkey, pork) you can substitute chicken or vegetable broth for the crushed tomatoes or use diced tomatoes and half the liquid.
For Snacking:
- Deviled eggs (recipe for perfect hard-cooked eggs here)
- Crostinis made with artisan breads, cheeses, jams
- Cooked sausages cut into bite size
- Raw veggies and dips
- Pickles and popcorn
- Don’t forget dessert – brownies, cakes, cookies, and pies
