🌶️ Andy’s Experimental Chili #001 (September 2003) 🌶️
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
📝 Description:
👨🍳 COOK’S NOTES: Welcome to Andy’s first chili experiment! In this edition, we’ve omitted garlic and green bell peppers from the mix. Keep in mind that our usual chili powder was a tad too much, so you might want to dial it down to 1/2 to 1-1/2 tablespoons next time. Also, we found that the ground beef was a bit too chewy for our liking, so we’re switching it up to 1/4-inch top sirloin cubes next time – just like they do in those famous chili cook-offs! Oh, and a handy tip: make two half-batches from 1 pound of meat for more chili goodness!
🥘 Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 1 lb | Lean ground beef |
| 1 can | Tomato sauce |
| – | Salt |
| – | Ground black pepper |
| – | Garlic powder |
| – | Onion powder |
| – | Onion, diced |
| 1/2 tsp | Garlic powder |
| 1/4 cup | Tomato sauce |
| 1/4 cup | Stewed tomatoes |
| 1 tsp | Cumin |
| 1-1/2 tsp | Chili powder |
| 3 | Celery salt |
📋 Instructions:
-
Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbled. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the Goodness: To the pot, add in the can of tomato sauce, a pinch of salt, a dash of ground black pepper, a sprinkle of garlic powder, a hint of onion powder, and a generous shake of celery salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
-
Simmer Away: Bring this flavorful mix to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer away while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
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Sauté the Onions: In a separate pan, heat up a bit of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add in the diced onions and sauté them until they turn golden brown and fragrant, which should take around 5 minutes. Season them with a touch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
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Combine and Magic Happens: Once the onions are ready, add them into the pot with the beefy sauce. Also, toss in the remaining ingredients: the extra tomato sauce, the hearty stewed tomatoes, the warm cumin, and that punchy chili powder. Give everything a good stir to marry all those delicious flavors together.
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Simmer, Stir, Simmer: Let your chili simmer away uncovered over medium-low heat for the next 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent any sticking or burning at the bottom of the pot. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a chili that’s rich, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying.
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Serve and Enjoy: After 30 minutes of tantalizing simmering, your Andy’s Experimental Chili #001 is ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls, top it with your favorite garnishes like shredded cheese, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Grab some warm tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side for dipping and dunking. 🍲🥄
🍽️ Serving Suggestions:
- Top with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.
- Serve with warm tortilla chips or crusty bread on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with shredded cheese and chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor.
📜 Notes:
- Remember, the chili powder quantity can vary based on your spice preference. Start with 1/2 tablespoon and adjust to taste.
- For a meatier chili, try using 1/4-inch top sirloin cubes instead of ground beef.
- This recipe yields enough for 6 hearty servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family or saving for delicious leftovers.
Now you’re all set to embark on your chili adventure with Andy’s Experimental Chili #001! With its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and a touch of Southwestern flair, this chili is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, grab a bowl, dig in, and savor each spoonful of this comforting, soul-warming dish! 🌶️🥣
