Always Delicious Chili

I think chili is one of the greatest foods around. Officially so to say it is known as chili con carne. Traditional versions of chili are made from chili peppers, garlic, onions, and cumin as well chopped or ground beef. Other versions may include beans and tomatoes. Texas-style chili is made with no beans and may include only chili peppers. The ingredients used may include cubed beef, tomatoes, and onions then cooked until the beef is tender.

There is also vegetarian chili where the meat may be replaced with tofu or perhaps a vegetable such as potatoes. These types of chilies usually include beans. Other ingredients may be corn, squash, mushrooms, potatoes, and even beets. White chili made with great northern beans and turkey or chicken and leaving out tomatoes so that the dish appears white when cooked. Chili Verde refers to an extremely spicy Mexican and Mexican-American stew or sauce which is made from chunks of pork slow cooked in chicken broth with garlic, tomatillos and roasted green chilies.

Then there is my lazy version which I call Just Plain Good Chili which consists of ground beef browned with onions, garlic, and green peppers. Then put in a pot, add beef broth, canned tomatoes, red kidney beans, cayenne pepper, salt, curry powder and a sprinkle of oregano. Simmer for about 30 minutes. Mix through tomato paste so it thickens. Serve in bowls with grated cheddar cheese.