Chili

The Recipe: From Cook This; Not That.

The Food: Husband doesn't even like chili, but he likes this.

What You Need:
1 T olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
2 heaping T chili powder
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon
2 bay leaves
1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef)
2 T tomato paste
1 oz dark chocolate (1 piece)
1 bottle or can of beer
1 can diced tomatoes, with juices (I like the petite diced)
1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 can white beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn, rinsed and drained
salt and pepper to taste

Your Turn:
Chop the onion and toss it into a large stock pot in which your olive oil is already heating up. Mince the garlic and add that too.

Cook about 5 minutes over medium heat.

Add the 1 tsp cumin, 1/2 tsp oregano, 2 heaping T chili powder, 1/8 tsp cinnamon and 2 bay leaves. Cook until fragrant, about 3 more minutes.

Add ground turkey and 2 T tomato paste and stir with a wooden spoon. Cook until turkey is no longer pink, stirring occasionally.

Add 1 oz dark chocolate, 1 bottle beer, and the can of diced tomatoes. Turn heat to low, cover, and simmer about 30 - 45 minutes.

After it's cooked at least 30 minutes, it's a good time to throw it in the crock pot for a few hours if you have the time. Add the beans and corn, drained and rinsed, and let it cook in the crock pot on low for as long as you're able. (You can add any combination of beans and/or corn, as you prefer. Husband doesn't like beans, so I only do one can of pinto along with a can of corn. Substituting black beans for one of the types - or even just adding it - would be really good too!) An hour or two is good; all day works too. If you can't manage this, just add the beans and corn at this point, and simmer on low for a little longer, until it's all hot through.

Add salt and pepper. (Don't forget this like I often do!) Start with a small amount, taste, and add more as needed. You can also add hot sauce, if you like.

Serve over hot white rice with shredded cheddar cheese on top. Also yummy with tortilla chips!