Quick and Easy Ain't No Beans About It Chili
Originally published at Sean Reiser. You can comment here or there.
So, as best as I can measure, here's what I do to make my Chili. I cook this in bulk, it freezes well. A warning to the purists, in addition to there being no beans, it is thick with veggies, you should think of it as a spicy stew perhaps.
There are a number of shortcuts where it comes to prep. At the end of the day I want to be able make something relatively healthy in bulk without too much effort.Bird's Eye makes a nice mix of Peppers and Onions called "Pepper Stir Fry" which I use to save some prep time. Also I'm using frozen veggies. There's no reason you can't substitute fresh veggies if you want to spend the prep time.
4-5 lbs chopped meat (I usually mix 50/50 beef and turkey, go all turkey for a healthier option)
2 28oz. Cans Crushed Tomatoes
4 14oz Cams Diced Tomatoes
3 14oz Bags Pepper Stir Fry
64oz assorted frozen veggies (I usually use Carrots and Corn but be bold and creative)
6 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon minced onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1) In a Large Stockpot add the Tomatoes, Peppers, and Veggies and cook under medium heat covered.
2) Brown the Chopped Meat in a frying pan, seasoning it with the onion and garlic, drain.
3) Add the meat to the Stockpot with the remaining seasonings
4) Bring to a boil and allow to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
The first time I made this I might halve the Chili powder and cumin and teste it after 30 mins of simmering and add if you think it needs more kick.
Serve over Rice (or noodles) w/ cheese and sour cream. (Or with Tortilla chips.)
Variation 1 : The consistency should come out as a stoup (between a soup and a stew). If you want to thicken it up further, add 2 or 3 cups of slow cook rice (not minute rice) when the pot comes to a boil and have it cooks while things simmer. This will give you a stick to the ribs hearty winter meal. I'll often do this and package them in individual servings in the freezer for take to work meals.
Variation 2 : There is no reason why this actually requires meat. Drop the meat, Double the veggies, I think a squash or zucchini would work well.
Be Bold!
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