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How to Make Homemade Chili Recipe

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This homemade chili recipe combines ground beef or turkey with a robust blend of spices, tomatoes, beans, and sautéed vegetables for a hearty and flavorful meal. Cooked slowly on the stovetop, it creates a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Meat

  • 2 lb ground beef or turkey

Vegetables

  • 2 small green peppers (about 2 cups diced)
  • 1 small yellow onion (about 1.5 cups diced)

Canned Goods

  • 2 15 oz cans Hunts Diced Tomatoes
  • 15 oz can Hunts Tomato Sauce
  • 6 oz can Hunts Tomato Paste
  • 15 oz water
  • 2 15 oz cans kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tbsp garlic powder
  • 2 tbsp onion powder
  • 3 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tbsp salt
  • 1 tsp white pepper
  • 1 tsp baking soda

Instructions

  1. Sauté Vegetables: In a large Dutch oven, sauté the diced green peppers and yellow onion over medium heat until they become translucent and begin to caramelize, enhancing their natural sweetness.
  2. Add Spices: Add all the seasonings except the baking soda to the pot, stirring continuously and cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to toast the spices and release their aroma without burning.
  3. Brown Meat: Add the ground beef or turkey to the pot and cook until browned but still slightly pink in the center, breaking it apart as it cooks to ensure even browning.
  4. Add Tomatoes and Liquids: Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, water, and tomato paste, stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Simmer Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-low heat and cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  6. Add Beans: Stir in the drained and rinsed kidney beans, incorporating them evenly throughout the chili.
  7. Add Baking Soda: Stir in the baking soda carefully; this will cause the sauce to bubble up. Continue stirring over medium heat until the bubbling subsides, which helps reduce acidity and smooth the flavor.
  8. Serve: Remove the chili from heat and serve hot. Enjoy as is or with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese or sour cream.

Notes

  • Using baking soda helps neutralize the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a smoother flavor.
  • Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef for a lighter chili.
  • You can adjust the amount of cayenne and chipotle powder to increase or decrease the spiciness.
  • If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a longer period after adding the beans.
  • Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.