Satisyfing Gratifying Chili

Chili is one of my favorite recipes to make in the slow cooker during fall. I use my slow cooker throughout the year, even during the summer as a slow cooker does not heat up the kitchen. I guess that is why I tend to make chili during the fall as there is quite a bit of prep on the stove before it goes into the slow cooker. If you do not have a slow cooker do not let these recipes turn you off, you can always make the chili in a dutch oven and let simmer for four hours on the stove. If you are interested in slow cooker cooking definitely check out the blog of Stephanie O'Dea's Crockpot 365.

Here are two of my favorite chili recipes that are a big hit in my house. We serve both of them up with corn bread and ice cold beer.

1 lb of ground beef or substitute ground turkey and/or chicken
1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilis
1 can of tomato paste
1 can of kidney beans
1 onion
1 green pepper, diced (optional)
2 cloves of garlic
1 TBSP of chili powder

Dice onion and chop garlic, add too ground beef that is browning in the fryer. Drain grease and place ground beef, onions and garlic into crockpot. Add remaining ingredients and set slow cooker on automatic or if your slow cooker does not have that setting set on High for 2 hours and Low for 4 hours. This allows the wonderful flavors to marry and meld for a stomach satisfying dinner.

Here is a vegetarian version of Chili that I also use.

1 can of black beans
1 can of pinto beans
1 can of kidney beans
1 can of tomato paste
1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilis
1 onion, diced
2 cloves of garlic, chopped
1 green pepper, diced
1 zucchini, diced (optional)
1 TBSP of chili powder
1 tsp of cumin
a slight pinch of nutmeg

Throw everything into your slow cooker and stir together. Set on auto for slow cooker or 2 hours on High and 4 hours on Low, or simmer 4 hours on stove in dutch oven.

Besides serving these with corn bread and ice cold beer or root beer for the young ones, I also put out a bowl of shredded Mexican cheese or Cheddar to top off the bowls of steaming chili.

Now go, cook and enjoy!