Cooking With Rockstars

Jen's Favorite Chili

Ingredients

• 3 garlic cloves
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 large bay leaf
• 1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
• veg. or corn oil
• 1 – 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef or turkey
• 1 6oz. can tomato paste
• 6 oz. water
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can tomatoes, whole or crushed
• 1 t. sugar

Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 t. salt
• 1 1/2 t. thyme
• 1 t. sage
• 1/2 t. cayenne (or more to taste)
• 1 t. black pepper
• 4 t. cumin
• 5 Tablespoons chili powder
• few splashes of tabasco (optional)

You can also try:

• 1 T. cocoa powder or
• 1/2 can pumpkin or
• 1 cup beer (amber or dark)

Instructions

1. In a deep, large pot such as a dutch oven, saute the garlic, 1/2 of the chopped onion, and the bayleaf over medium-high heat until the onion is translucent. If you want the added heat of the jalapeno, include it in this step.
2. Meanwhile, mix all of the Seasonings listed above in a medium bowl until well combined.
3. Add the ground meat and 1/2 of the Seasoning Mix to the pot and stir until the meat is cooked thoroughly.
4. Reduce the heat and add the tomato paste, water, tomatoes, beans, sugar, remaining onion, and remaining 1/2 of the Seasoning Mix. You may also add one of the interesting “extras” at this point, such as cocoa, beer, or pumpkin (but I wouldn’t add all three!)
5. Let the chili simmer for 2-3 hours. If it is getting too thick, add a little water or more beer (if using). Allow it to rest overnight if possible.
6. Serve warm topped with cheese, sour cream, and chopped onion. A batch of cornbread to go with it is worth the effort (especially if you use an easy box mix).