Homemade Chili

Homemade Chili

Chili, like a stew, is a slow cooked meal where the flavors get better the more they simmer together. The distinguishing flavors of chili come from chili powder which is a combination of dried chili peppers, cumin, garlic, oregano, ground cloves and pepper.

Homemade Chili

Serves 6-8
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 pound stew beef, cut in chunks (or substitute cubed lamb)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)
2 19oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
½ teaspoon cumin
2 teaspoons to 2 Tablespoons chili powder
1 cup red wine (optional: Cote du Rhone or Cabernet Sauvignon)

In a large stockpot, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and stew beef (or lamb). Brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, green pepper and jalapeno. Saute until onion is just tender, about 3-4 minutes.

Add the black beans, crushed tomatoes, cumin, chili powder and wine. Bring to a simmer and cook about 1 hour on low heat, or until chili flavors have come together and it is a stew like consistency. The longer the chili cooks the thicker it will be. If it gets too thick, add another 1/2 cup of red wine.