Classic Chili (with Extras!)
This is the kind of chili my mother used to make and I liked it a lot. I use it now as a base for creating numerous meals on the fly, but what I like best for this recipe is the additional ingredients I found in a different recipe that give it a great, interesting boost of flavor. If you feel like stretching your wings, give those a try. They are at the bottom next to the *, and can be added at the very end.
Ingredients
Method
- Don’t be daunted by the number of spices. The cook time is average, and you can make a huge batch and freeze loads of chili for another busy day!! The extra special ingredients you might want to try sometime are by the * at the very end.
- Heat the oil in a large soup pot on medium heat for a few minutes. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring once in awhile until they are looking more “clear”.
- Push onions to the side and place meat in the middle. Break it apart somewhat with spatula or wooden spoon and cook until browned, stirring occasionally.
- Add the next 7 ingredients to the pot: Chili powder, cumin, sugar, tomato paste, garlic,, salt, pepper. Then add cayenne pepper if you are using it. Combine well.
- Add the rest of the ingredients: broth, diced tomatoes, drained beans and tomato sauce; stir well.
- Bring pot to a boil and then reduce to a simmer with lid off for 25 minutes. Cool 10-15 minutes before serving. (I usually let the flavors blend as long as I can by turning the heat to the lowest possible setting and simmering for a few hours before cooling the chili to store.) * Additional Flavor Additions: Generous measurements of 2 Tbsp. cornmeal, 1 tsp. oregano, 1/2 tsp. coriander, 1 tsp. smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp. cinnamon, 1 Tbsp. molasses, and 1 tbsp. lime juice. *Suggested Toppings: cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, cheese, scallions, crumbled corn chips OTL 2023 -Inspired by https://www.onceuponachef.com/ “The Ultimate Chili Recipe”