I was just sitting down to relax (I know right it is a rarity) when I realized that I had not yet figured out what I was going to bring to the Canada Day picnic I was invited to. Well so much for relaxing. I wanted it to be something nobody else was going to bring and I wanted it to be enjoyed by everyone. Since I am a vegetarian that ruled out 99% of what i consider delicious especially for all the kids that will be attending. What to do. Chilli! Now I have never actually tasted my chilli but I have gotten rave reviews and I get requests from my family and friends to make it all the time. This is not your regular five alarm chili this one is made for a child’s pallet. My family have no tolerance for spicy foods and no desire to eat spicy foods regardless of whether they can tolerate it or not.
I make it in the crock pot and let it cook for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low. It all depends on your needs and your crockpot. I have one that on low keeps things boiling and the other simmers away.
Ok lets get this party started. Here is what you are going to need:
1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef. You can also use ground turkey, chicken or mix it up. For this recipe I am using all beef (it is the most inexpensive).
1 green, orange and red pepper. Yes, 3 in total – they don’t have to be very large, but each has its own unique flavour. Feel free to mix it up with a yellow. The red, yellow and orange have a sweet taste.
1 large Spanish or sweet onion
1 796 ml (28 oz ) can of diced tomatoes with the liquid. You can use diced or whole. Diced is easier. If you use whole smash them up when you put them in the pot. Don’t be shy give them a good bashing it feels great!
1 540 ml can of Aylmer Accents Italian tomatoes. There are actually a few kinds out there another alternative is the Garlic and Olive oil.
2 cans 540 ml Small Red Kidney Beans Now the small ones can be a bit elusive. I usually can find them at Food Basics but not always so when I do i try and stock up. You can also use regular red kidney beans or dark red kidney beans.
1 package of Club House Chili mix
1 680 ml can Hunt’s Tomato Sauce with Onion, herb and spices
Salt and pepper to taste.
Step 1. Dice all your vegetables keeping the onions separate.
Step 2. Brown your meat and onions in a frying pan until all the pink is gone.
Step 3. Put your meat and onion mixture into your crock pot.
Step 4. Add your diced/whole tomatoes and the tomato sauce. I always add a touch of water to the sauce can to get every last drop out and pour that in to.
Step 5. Add all the remaining chopped veggies, chili mix and kidney beans and give it a good stir.
Step 6. Put the lid on and let it cook on low for 2 hours or high for an hour. Taste and add your salt and pepper. If you desire a bit more spice then add a second pack of the Chili Mix. It is not spicy hot but it does have a bit of heat when 2 packs are used. Stir and let it cook on low for 4 more hours or high for 2
Step 7. Give yourself a pat on the back and pour yourself a well deserved glass of wine.
Well that is it. I know it sounds like a lot but really it takes no time at all. It freezes great. Now in this house I leave it on keep warm and it sits there for everyone to take some when they want. The whole thing never lasts more than a day or two.
Enjoy and please let me know what you think and if you make it yourself.
Mmm looks SO good! Pinning!