cinfully good chili
Growing up an army brat with family scattered from Texas to Michigan to Florida and Georgia, I was introduced to a wide variety of foods from all over. My yankee family made bland chili that seemed more tomatoes than anything. It was good but something was missing. My Texas cousins made it so hot you couldn't taste it. The Floridians put curry in it, and well, that just ain't right. I don't think the clan in Georgia made any. I began a mission for the perfect blend of these dishes and by the time I was thirty I was pretty well known for my chili. I sure hope y'all like it!!
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Now, this is a good all-around chili! It has a Tex-Mex flair without being overly spicy. Having meat and beans makes this extra hearty. Serve a bowl of this super flavorful chili with a little cheese, sour cream, and cilantro. Perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean hamburger or hamburger/venison blend
- 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 small bay leaf or 1/2 of larger leaf
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (I prefer Hungarian smoked but any will do)
- 1 teaspoon salt, to taste
- 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1/2 can tomato paste (3 oz)
- 1 can ranch style beans (15 oz)
- 1 cup cold coffee (this mornings leftovers are great) shhhh this is my secret ingredient!
How To Make cinfully good chili
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Step 1Brown ground meat in a large pot or iron kettle (my preference). Drain any grease off of meat in a colander and rinse with hot water. Return to pot. -
Step 2Saute onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic in olive oil until onions are translucent. Add to ground meat.
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Step 3Add all remaining ingredients.
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Step 4Simmer on low for 1 to 2 hours, adding water in half cup increments if chili becomes too thick. Cayenne pepper can be increased by 1/4 teaspoon increments if a hotter chili is preferred.
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Step 5My family enjoys cornbread with this dish and we like to top it with thinly sliced scallions, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped cilantro. A bit of minced jalapeno will bring tears to your eyes if you feel so inclined by individuals, but I think it'll bring tears to your eyes just cause it's gooood!
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
