Seattle Snow Day Chili

This is a basic recipe that I always tweak.  I’m always changing the amounts of seasonings depending on the day.  For a more smokey flavor, use more of the smoked paprika and chipotle.  Swap out the jalapeno for a serrano or habanero if you like more heat.  I add roasted corn sometimes and maybe less beans if I serve it over rice or grains. Make it vegetarian with greens and all beans. Just make it yours. 

2 ½ lbs ground beef or turkey

1 Tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1-2 tsp sweet smoked paprika

*1 seeded chipotle chili plus 1-2 tsp adobo sauce

*1 seeded jalapeno, minced

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

15 ounces diced tomatoes

15 ounces pinto beans

15 ounces black beans

2 cups stock (approx)

Salt and pepper

* Adds heat to chili; add less or more depending on spicy preference.  Chipotles in adobo sauce are found in most grocery stores either canned or jarred.

Standard sides:

Lime wedges

Avocado, diced

Cilantro- if you’re into it

Pepper jack, cheddar cheese

Sour cream

·        Use canned beans if you don’t have time for dried, but the texture and taste is better when you use dried.  For a quick soak:

o       Place beans in medium saucepan and cover with water.  Bring to a rapid boil and cook on high for 15 minutes. 

o       Turn off heat and allow beans to soak for 1 hr

o       Drain and rise beans and add to chili until tender

1.    In a braising pan or large pot over medium high heat, sauté onions, garlic, jalapeno, chili powder and cumin in olive oil until fragrant.  Mix in chipotle and adobo sauce.

2.    Add turkey or beef and break apart in pan.  Mix to combine all ingredients.

3.    Add diced tomatoes and cook until meat is mostly cooked through.

4.    Add beans and enough stock until desired consistency is reached.

5.    Simmer on low for another 25 minutes until meat is completely cooked through and flavors have melded.  Taste and adjust any of seasonings.  Add more stock if you like.

6.    Serve on its own or over steamed quinoa, rice or other grain.

7.    Squeeze a little lime over top before adding cheese, sour cream and top with diced avocado and chopped cilantro.

With a glass of Malbec, this is even better.

Enjoy!

MJM

In does, in fact, snow in Seattle

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