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Good Ol' Pot of Chili

Christine Tizzard
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 1 hr
Course Main Course
Servings 6 or more

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large saucepot

Ingredients
  

  • 7 1/2 oz (220 g) bacon diced
  • 17 oz (500 g) ground beef
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves chopped
  • 1 cup (250 mL) diced carrots about 2 or 3
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL) ground cumin
  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp (15 mL) dried oregano
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cinnamon
  • 2 1/4 oz (70 g) tomato paste (half of a 5 1/2 oz/165-g can)
  • 1/2 – 1 chipotle pepper in adobo finely diced (optional)
  • 15-oz (425 g) can black beans rinsed and drained
  • 3 cups (750 mL) chicken or beef stock
  • 1 bell pepper diced
  • salt to taste
  • pepper to taste

for garnish

  • 2-3 Tbsp (45 mL) chopped coriander for garnish
  • 1 lime cut in wedges, for garnish
  • 2-3 green onions thinly sliced, for garnish
  • sour cream or yogurt to taste

Instructions
 

  • In a Dutch oven or large saucepot with a lid, fry bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6–8 minutes. With a slotted spoon transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  • In the same pot over medium-high heat, brown beef in bacon fat. Transfer to another paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
  • Sauté onions in the same bacon fat over medium heat until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for another 3–5 minutes, until slightly softened.
  • Stir in spices and toast for 1 minute. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2–3 minutes. Add chipotle, if using.
  • Add beans, return beef to the pot and pour over enough stock to just cover the chili. Reduce heat to low and simmer.
  • Add in chopped pepper, season with salt and pepper and simmer, covered, for 15–20 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in bacon and garnishes, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

CHILI TIPS:

  • Try making this chili with any ground meat you like. Substitute extra-firm tofu for meat or double the number of vegetables for a vegetarian alternative.
  • Use any can of beans you like. I love the texture of the little black beans and they retain their shape better than kidney beans.
  • Don’t forget the toppings. Bring out all the suggested garnishes, so folks can load them on.
Keyword chili,