Chili

Chili is one of those controversial foods about which many people claim to have the definitive recipe. The age-old debates include beef versus pork; ground meat versus cubes; the audacity of using chicken, turkey, or tofu; beans versus no beans; tomatoes or not. You get the idea.

 

Start with this version and customize it to make your own signature chili. Good accompaniments are biscuits, white rice, and a green salad. This is an easy recipe to double or triple, depending upon the size party you’re having. This is also a good dish to make ahead, and doing so and letting it sit will also deepen the flavors.

 

The spice level of this recipe has a good bite to it, so if you prefer mild chili start with half the amount of seasonings and then adjust according to your taste.

 

SERVES 4

 

Ingredients: 

1 tablespoon cooking oil

¼ cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, chopped

 

1 pound ground beef

 

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons oregano

2 teaspoons ground cumin

½ teaspoon celery salt

A pinch ground cloves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes, drain but save the liquid

1 15 ounce can pinto or red kidney beans, drain, then rinse and drain again

 

Accompaniments:

Grated cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack

Sour cream

Chopped red onions or scallions

Chopped avocado

Minced jalapeno peppers

Chopped fresh cilantro leaves

 

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Instructions:

▪ Heat the oil in a large pot on low heat and add the onion and garlic. Cook a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent.

 

▪ Add the beef, increase the heat to medium, and cook while stirring to break up the meat, until it is browned all over.

 

▪ Stir in the seasonings, and then add the tomatoes and beans. Mix them in, breaking up the tomatoes into small pieces. You’ll want to taste this for seasoning and possibly add more.

 

▪ Cover and cook on low heat about an hour. Check periodically and give it a stir and to see if it is getting too dry, in which case you can add some tomato liquid or water.

 

▪ Serve with the accompaniments of your choice on the side.