HOME
Jerry's Recipes

Easy

Damn Good Chili

THIS IS ONE OF MY ALL-TIME FAVORITE BEAN MEALS. It originated with a recipe from Consumer Reports in 1989. Since then I've tweaked it several times; tweaked or not, it's always successful. Although this is a vegetarian chili, you may also want to try it using a wiener-size link of andouille sausage, chopped (the kind used in gumbo), or some finely chopped lean smoked bacon (sauté bacon before adding onions). Thoroughly rinse and drain the beans.

The main thing to watch is the chile powder. Chile powders vary from mild to hot; start with one tablespoon, bringing out its complex flavors by 'blooming' it by cooking with the onions/peppers. Make a taste test later and add more as you prefer. As to brands, Spice Islands is a good choice.

Total time about 2 hours. Serves 5-6.

SHOPPING LIST:
Jerry's Recipes 
  • Onion
  • Green bell pepper
  • Chile powder
  • Garlic
  • Canned tomatoes
  • Canned garbanzo beans
  • Canned kidney beans
  • Canned pinto beans
  • White wine vinegar
  • Cumin
  • Allspice
  • Coriander
  • Fresh cilantro
1
In a pot of at least 4-quart size, cook gently ("sweat") until onions are translucent but not browned (7-10 minutes); add garlic in last minute
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1-2 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 T chile powder (see chile note above)
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, chopped or minced

2
Add, stir, bring to boil, then lower heat and cook gently—covered—an hour or more (stir occasionally).

To thicken, simmer for some minutes with cover off. Adding the optional corn meal also makes a good thickener.


Stir in cilantro in last few minutes of cooking
  • 1 28-oz can whole or diced tomatoes with juice
  • 1 14-oz can garbanzo beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 14-oz can kidney beans, rinsed & drained
  • 1 14-oz can pinto or roman beans, rinsed & drained
  • 8-12 oz water (but beer is better)
  • 1-2 T olive oil
  • 1 T white wine vinegar (or plain vinegar)
  • 3/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground allspice
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander
  • Palmful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons coarse corn meal
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon tomato paste

 To serve:

  • Sprinkle servings with chopped fresh cilantro

rainbow

© 2002-2012  All rights reserved.
www.cybershingle.com/recipes/