This chili recipe starts with simple ingredients, but the sum is greater than the parts. It's always a hit in our house. It's great if you're cooking for a crowd; guests can add their own favorites, like extra cheese, chopped jalapenos, or cilantro.

A recipe for making your own Chili Powder follows at the bottom of the page. It's economical, and it won't have the MSG and other questionable additives you can find in store-bought mixes. This chili recipe serves 10-12.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. dry kidney beans
• 2 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/4 c. olive oil
• 1 1/2 lb. (about 4 1/2 c.) chopped onion
• 4 or so chopped green peppers
• 1 lb. (2 c.) tomato sauce
• 1 TBS. salt
• 3 TBS. chili powder
• 2 c. of water (more as needed)
• 8 oz. grated cheddar cheese
  

In a medium-large pot, bring to boil: > Half-pot of water

Add, and then simmer until tender: > 1 lb. dry kidney beans

When beans are done, drain off cooking water. Put beans back in pot.

Saute' in iron pan: > 2 lb. lean ground beef

Drain fat off pan. Set beef aside (add to cooked beans in pot). In iron pan, saute: > 1 1/2 lb. (about 4 1/2 c.) chopped onion > 4 or so chopped green peppers > 1/4 c. olive oil

Into the pot of beans and meat, add the grilled veggies, plus the following: > 1 lb. tomato sauce > 1 TBS. salt > 3 TBS. chili powder > 2 c. of water (more as needed)

Simmer all ingredients 1 hour or so. serve with grated cheddar cheese and condiments, as desired.

 

Chili Powder

Mix in a bowl: > 1/4 c. paprika > 1/4 c. garlic granules > 1/4 c. cumin powder > 1 TBS. cayenne