by RachelK

Created on: November 02, 2009

The weather is getting much cooler and that means it's time to make chili again. Nothing is better on a cold day than a big bowl of homemade chili. Chili is not a glamorous dish but it is a hearty and easy meal to make. It is perfect for frigid days. This is an easy recipe that can be made in no time at all.

Ingredients:

*1 pound lean ground beef

*2 small cloves garlic

*2 (16-ounce) cans kidney, or pinto beans

*1/2 cups salsa (thick and chunky works the best)

*1 cup diced onion

*1 (4-ounce) can Diced Green Chiles

*2 teaspoons of chili powder

*1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin

Serves 3-4 people

Chop the onion and garlic into small pieces. Combine the ground beef, onion, and garlic in a large skillet and cook on medium heat until beef is browned. Drain the mixture thoroughly Next, add the beans, salsa, diced green chiles, chili powder, and cumin. Bring everything to a boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Continue cooking chili, stirring frequently, for 20 to 25 minutes. You can garnish the chili with anything you like. Serve with warm tortillas, and enjoy!

Options: Grated onion and/or cheese work well as a garnish. You can add hotter chilies if you like. Salt can be added to taste. You can also remove the beef to make a vegetarian version of the dish. Double up on the batch to have enough left overs to make another meal. You can make chili dogs, chili and mac, or nachos for the kids with the leftovers. Serve and enjoy!

Fun Facts About Chili: In 1977 legislature was passed making chili the official state dish of Texas. One teaspoon of dried red chilie powder contains the daily requirement of vitamin A. During the Great Depression it was hard to find a town that didn't have a chili joint or chili parlor.

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