HEARTY WINTER CHILI

Makes: 4

This recipe is a delicious and hearty meal - great for those cold winter months!  You can adapt this recipe to suit your needs by using either ground beef, ground turkey or tofu.  Either way it's sure to please the entire family!

Ingredients:

  • 1lb ground beef OR ground turkey or 12 oz (340 g) package of seasoned ground tofu
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, crushed or finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano, dried
  • 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tsp basil, dried
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 cup corn
  • 28 oz (828ml) can diced plum tomatoes with juice
  • 19 oz (562ml) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Directions:

Over medium heat, cook ground beef with olive oil until beef is no longer pink.  Add onions halfway through when beef is almost cooked.  Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, jalapeno, and basil.  Saute for 1 minute, stirring to mix.  Add carrots, celery, and green pepper and saute for a few minutes to soften.  Stir in remaining ingredients (tomatoes, corn and beans) and bring almost to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 1 hour. The longer it simmers the better!  Adjust spices to taste.  Sprinkle with grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese.  Add delicious garlic bread to this meal as an extra added treat!