Lennie’s Chili, Finally Written Down
Description
Chili is one of my hubby’s favorite dinners, and I’ve been making it for years. Recently, I made it again and took great pains to measure and note everything I did so I could finally get it down on paper. And yes, it has beans in it. Deal with it. This hearty chili is perfect for lunch, snacks, or even a casual dinner with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 large onions, finely chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 5 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 2 cans (28 oz each) plum tomatoes, drained
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 440.8
- Fat: 15.5g
- Saturated Fat: 5.2g
- Cholesterol: 73.7mg
- Sodium: 1228.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 44.5g
- Fiber: 12.3g
- Sugars: 15.7g
- Protein: 34.8g
Servings
- 8 servings
Total Time
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 2 hours | 2 hours 20 mins |
Instructions
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Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. This helps ensure you don’t miss anything and makes the cooking process smoother.
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Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy pot like a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
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Saute the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté for about 2 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, continuing to sauté for another 2 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
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Cook the Beef: Crumble the lean ground beef into the pot, stirring well. The goal here is not to completely brown the beef but to cook it until it loses its raw red color. This should take about 5 minutes. As the beef cooks, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chili powder and stir well.
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Remove Excess Fat: If there’s any excess fat in the pot, spoon it out carefully. This helps keep the chili from becoming too greasy.
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Add Tomatoes: Take one can of drained plum tomatoes and add it to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to break up the tomatoes into chunks. For the second can of drained tomatoes, crush them with your hand before adding them to the pot. This creates a nice texture in the chili.
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Incorporate Beans: Stir in the well-drained kidney beans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the chili.
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Mix the Cocoa Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, all-purpose flour, and cocoa powder using a fork or small whisk. This adds a subtle depth of flavor to the chili.
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Combine Tomato Sauce and Paste: In a large measuring cup, mix the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Stir or whisk in the cocoa mixture until well combined. Add this mixture to the pot and stir thoroughly.
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Season the Chili: Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of chili powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to the pot. Stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
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Simmer and Adjust: Bring the chili to a furious bubble, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Let the chili cook, uncovered, for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Longer simmering improves the flavor, and the chili is even better the next day. During this time, taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. If the chili becomes too thick, add a little water, beef broth, or even a splash of beer.
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Final Taste and Adjustments: Before serving, taste the chili again and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Often, a little more salt is needed.
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Serve: Serve the chili hot, with optional toppings like sour cream, chopped raw green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pair it with a side of cornbread or cornbread muffins for a complete meal.
Enjoy Your Hearty Chili!
Lennie’s Chili is a comforting dish that’s perfect for a casual family meal or a potluck with friends. The rich flavors develop beautifully with time, making it an ideal dish to prepare a day in advance. Enjoy the hearty, flavorful goodness of this classic chili recipe, and feel free to tweak the spices to suit your personal taste preferences.
