Super Bowl Chili

A Note From the Chef:
This is my dad’s Super Bowl Sunday Chili recipe. Today, when I make it, I saute the onion and bell pepper and brown the meat first. However, I remember my dad just dumping everything into the pot, giving it a good stir, bringing it to a boil and then, he turned it down to a simmer and let it cook for 30 minutes. During those 30 minutes he would prep bowls of accompaniments like, sour cream, green onions, tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, “Frito’s” corn chips (my favorite for dipping!), etc… I don’t know if it’s the best chili I ever ate but, it sure gave me wonderful memories.

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
• 1 sweet yellow onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
• 1 15oz can beef broth
• 1 beef bouillon cube
• 1 6oz can tomato paste
• 1 15oz can diced tomato, with its juice
• 1 15oz can pinto bean, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 oz can kidney bean, drained and rinsed
• 1 15oz can white bean (optional), drained and rinsed
• 3-4 tablespoons chili powder (your preference)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• *1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• In a Dutch oven or thick-bottomed large pot, heat oil over medium high heat.
• Add onion and bell pepper and saute until onions are translucent.
• Add garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
• Add ground beef, breaking it up and browning it.
• Move everything toward the edge of the pot and add the tomato paste, stirring to incorporate it into the beef and vegetables.
• Add the rest of the ingredients.
• Bring to boil and then immediately turn it down to a simmer for 30 minutes. (For a thicker chili, continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the chili doesn’t get burnt on the bottom of the pot.)
• Taste for salt and pepper.

Chef’s Notes:

• Create a fun garnish buffet with your favorite toppings. (And don’t forget the Fritos corn chips!
• Add ½ teaspoon of cocoa powder to create a more complex taste.
• Substitute smoked paprika for the paprika
• Substitute ground turkey, chicken, bison or meat substitute for the beef.