Tuesday, October 4, 2011

GFree Sweet & Spicy Chili

I've been making the most of this cooler weather.  We're already diving into those yummy comfort foods. Last night we had one of my husband's favorites - Homemade Sweet & Spicy Chili.  I love chili for several reasons - it's warm and hearty, we usually have leftovers that last us several meals, it can be topped with all sorts of yummy toppings, and I can throw whatever's in the pantry in & it still tastes delicious!  It turns out differently every time I make it, but the base is always the same - lots of tomatoes, a hint of sweetness & a spicy kick that follows each bite.  Chili can easily be naturally gluten free, just watch those "chili seasoning packets" - growing up, my mom always made chili with those and I've come to find that they're certainly NOT gluten free.  Here's the recipe from last night....enjoy!


G-Free Sweet & Spicy Chili


Ingredients
1.5 lb Lean Ground Beef or Turkey
1 Small Sweet Onion, Chopped
2 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
1 Green Bell Pepper, Chopped
1 T Olive Oil
1 (15 oz) Can Diced Tomatoes, Undrained
1 (15 oz) Can Tomato Sauce
1 Cup Tomato Juice (do NOT use V8)
1 (15 oz) Can Sweet Corn, Drained
2 (15 oz) Cans Red Kidney Beans, Rinsed & Drained
1 (15 oz) Can Chili Beans, Undrained
2 T Brown Sugar (honey or agave could be used instead...just don't over do it)
2 T Chili Powder
2 T Parsley Flakes
1 T Ground Cumin
Salt, To Taste
Cayenne Pepper, To Taste

Toppings (optional)
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Low Fat Sour Cream (or plain greek yogurt)
Cilantro
Chopped Green Onions
GFree Tortilla Chips


Directions

  1. Coat bottom of large stock pot with Olive Oil.  Add garlic, onion, pepper & a pinch of salt - cook on high, stirring until onions are clear.  Push to the side of pot and add ground meat.  Cook meat till completely browned (be sure there is NO pink left).
  2. Combine diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, corn, kidney beans, chili beans, brown sugar, chili powder, parsley flakes, cumin, salt & cayenne pepper and bring to a boil, stirring well.  
  3. Once brought to a boil, set to low, cover and let simmer for 45-60 minutes.  (This could also be done in the am & left in a crock pot on low for 8 hrs.  Just be sure to thoroughly cook meat beforehand.)
  4. Spoon into bowls, top with your favorite toppings & enjoy!
Aside from chopping a few things, clean up is rather simple - I love one pot meals!  And I can easily pop the lid on and toss left overs in the fridge.  It makes a great topping for g-free tortilla chips, and a wonderful lunch if poured over jasmine rice the following day, we've also done chili turkey dogs - so versatile!

So tell me, what's your favorite way to have chili?







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