I have never had a hankering for chili on cold nights, prefering a good stew instead. I never understood why it was so popular after snow sledding or served at fall parties. But my church held a "chili cook off " so I decided to study Chili and create my own. Chili just isn't chili if it doesn't have some spice to it, but if the heat drowns out any following flavor- it defeats it's purpose. I like it to feel it warm down in my throat, but I don't have to reach for a quick glass of ice water either. Brown sugar added to the mix not only added a new depth of flavor but really helped to round out the spicy and salty flavors. I tried chili with chunks of stew meat, chili with ground beef and a combination of both. I made so much chili getting it right that I didn't even make it for the cook off- I wanted to try somebody elses'. I am now glad to say that I crave chili on those cold evenings or when the smell of fall leaves hits the air. I like to add a handfull of corn chips on the top for crunch (Like Fritos). The next time a chili cook off comes around, I'll be ready...and so will you!
Yummy Chili
· 1 pound Lean Hamburger
· 1 small yellow onion, chopped
· 1 clove Garlic, Minced
· 1 Green Pepper Chopped
· 1 Jalapeno Pepper, seeded and chopped
· 1 Tb. Salt
· 1 30 oz Can Chopped Tomatoes, un drained
· 1 15 oz Can Red Kidney Beans, Drained
· 1 15 oz Can Pinto Beans, Drained
· 1/2 C. Brown Sugar
· 4 Tb. Chili Powder
*Brown the Hamburger in a large saucepan, drain off any remaining grease. Add the onion, garlic, peppers and salt.
* Cook until the onions start to look translucent. Add all the remaining ingredients and bring it to a boil.
*Turn the heat down and let it simmer for 30-40 minutes.
