Chili is definitely in my "Top 10" of favorite foods. It's simply yummy, warming, filling, and really one of the meals I eat a lot when I am trying to make up for the Christmas goodies. It also helps me feel good about things before I start in on the Valentines Treats! Of course, when you have temperatures hanging around zero, it's just awesome for warmin' a girl up!
I never used to have much of a recipe for chili, I would just throw it together, or use a chili mix from the store. That was the case anyway, until I came across this recipe years ago on allrecipes. I just love the flavors, it is so perfect. Since the chipotle's go through the blender, you don't have any bites filled with strong heat, just a nice consistent warmth throughout. I do typically leave the jalapeno out for dear boyfriend, as he isn't a fan of to much heat. Also, to keep things in more his line of heat, I do remove the seeds from half of the chipotles. It ends up with a nice heat level that we both agree on. This freezes really well, too.
Best Chili
2 lb. lean ground beef (I use 1 lb beef, 1 lb venison)
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 jalapeno peppers, diced (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 c. chili powder
1/4 c. cumin
1 t. salt
1 t. black pepper
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 (15 oz) cans chili beans
1 (14.5 oz) can tomatoes
1 (7 oz) can chipotles in adobo (optional to remove seeds)
1 quart water, divided
1/4 c. flour
1 T. rice vinegar
Optional
Shredded cheese
Sour Cream
Green onion
Over medium-high heat, cook beef/venison til brown. Drain. Stir in onion and peppers; cook til tender. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute. Add chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper. Stir in tomato paste and beans.
In blender, puree tomatoes with chipotles til smooth. Stir into the pot with 3 c. water.
Combine the remaining 1 cup water, with the flour in a jar and shake to combine. Pour into chili. Add vinegar. Simmer about 1 hour before serving. Garnish as desired!
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