Chili

Whether for dinner or a party, chili is the way to go.  Simple, tasty and always a crowd pleaser

Let’s start cooking!

We’ll need 1 medium onion, 2 garlic cloves, 1 jalapeno pepper and two bell peppers

Peel and chop the onion

I removed the stem of the jalapeno, cut it down the middle and using the tip of a spoon removed the seeds and inner membrane, as these are the hottest parts

The jalapeno adds wonderful flavor, and though I want some heat I don’t want to over power the chili

Add the garlic and jalapeno into a food processor (or simply dice them up)

Give it a whirl!

In a heavy pot (I’m using my cast iron dutch oven) add 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium low heat

Add the onion and simmer for 5-6 minutes

You want to sweat the onions, so cover the pot and simmer so they get soft but not burnt

The condensation on the lid will drip back into the pot helping this process

Add the garlic and jalapeno, mix in and cover

Cook for another 5-6 minutes

Next chop the bell peppers

I’m using both green and red.  The green is more robust and the red has a slight sweetness to it

I think the combination adds a lot of flavor as well as color

Add these into the pot, stir to combine and season with kosher salt and ground black pepper

Cover the pot and cook 10 minutes

Add in the ground meat

We are using a 3 pound family pack of ground turkey

We like ground turkey because it is like a blank canvas and it will take on a lot of flavor from the ingredients you use with it.  Feel free to use ground beef if you’d prefer

Cook the meat, stirring it occasionally until it is all evenly browned

If using ground beef you may have to drain off some of the fat

Next up, we will need one 6 ounce can of tomato paste, one 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes and one 15.5 ounce can of black beans that have been drained and rinsed

Add in the tomato paste, stir to combine and simmer for a couple minutes

Then add in the diced tomatoes and beans

Now if you’re a real bean lover you can add 2 cans here, but I prefer more meat than beans

Give everyone a stir

Next up we will need 1 1/2 tablespoons of Taco Seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (the cayenne is optional)

Stir to combine and cover

Cook on low for at least another 30 minutes

Our chili is done

I tasted it to see if any more salt or extra seasoning was needed

We served this with some shredded cheddar cheese and some crunchy tortilla chips!

Enjoy!!!

© Simply Sundays 2016
All rights reserved

Tools used to make this recipe

Simply Bamboo Cutting Board

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven

KitchenAid 3-Speed Hand Blender

MIU Stainless Steel Slotted Turner

Royal Classique 10 Piece Measuring Cups and Spoons