Mind Like Water

in Recipes

Recipe #1: Three Bean Chili

This recipe is part of my goal to compile a hundred deliciosa recipes for me to cook on a regular basis.

Ingredients

  • 1 15.5oz can black beans (or 2/3 C dry)
  • 1 15.5oz can pinto beans (or 2/3 C dry)
  • 1 15.5oz can kidney beans (or 2/3 C dry)
  • 1 30oz can tomato sauce
  • 1 30oz can sliced stewed tomatoes (substitute diced tomatoes if you prefer smaller chunks)
  • 1-2 cups ground beef (or substitute vegetarian ground beef)
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 small onion
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or to taste. Water can also be used if you prefer)
  • 1 teaspoon chopped garlic
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, I've been leaving this out lately for a more mild flavor. Also, your chili powder might pack a little kick on its own)
  • salt and pepper (to taste)
  • Shredded cheese (optional)
  • Sour cream (optional)
  • Fritos (optional)

Directions

  1. Add tomato sauce and stewed tomatoes to pot. Put heat on low.
  2. Dice onions and green pepper. Sautée with ground beef in a small amount of olive oil.
  3. Add chopped garlic about 60 seconds before you're done sautéeing
  4. Add vegetable / ground beef mix to pot
  5. Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, and S&P. Mix well and then cover pot and let it sit on low heat for ~20 minutes to let the flavors mix.
  6. Serve in bowls, optionally topped with fritos, shredded cheese, and sour cream to taste.

Notes

  • I usually prepare dry beans in a pressure cooker, 2 cups beans with 6 cups water for 30min.
  • We usually get the Kroger store brand corn chips which are comparable to Fritos and less expensive. Meijers also has their own version but it wasn't that good. Get the normal kind, the scoops don't work that well.
  • I usually use the slow cooker or pressure cooker on keep warm, but a pot on the stove would work just fine. Be sure not to turn the heat up too high, you want it hot but not boiling.
  • Leftovers can be stored in refrigerator or freezer. I'd recommend separating into single serving containers especially if freezing.
  • This recipe freezes well, and if you put a single serving out in the morning it usually heats up well in the microwave at lunch.