Hearty, stick-to-your-ribs chili that is a delicious way to ward off those cold Winter temperatures.
Last winter was worse in terms of snowstorms and snow accumulation. This winter is worse in terms of brutal cold.
This is not a scientific fact, just my own opinion.
And either way, I’m still ready for the longer sunshine-filled days of spring, but in the meantime, I am resolved to enjoy every moment of winter that I can.
Because.
#commitment
And this chili recipe is exactly what you need to get through the winter.
Trust me.
Outside of the two hours of stove top simmering, it is a very quick and easy recipe to make.
Which is my favorite kind of recipe.
I’ve made three batches of the chili in the last few weeks, and it has been the perfect way to set up my lunches for the week, or a quick dinner (when it has made ahead on the weekend, of course).
And honestly, don’t let that two hour simmer time scare you. It’s a great recipe to have simmering on the stove during a lazy Sunday. Or while you’re eating something else you made for dinner (then you have chili for the next night). Or, truth be told, it was just fine at the one hour mark (though much more “married flavor” after two).
In subsequent versions, I have added diced carrots into it as well.
Because those ginormous five pound bags from Costco aren’t going to eat themselves.
If you happen to be following Whole30, you obviously can’t have sour cream or cheese toppings, but raw chopped onion, salsa, sliced avocado, or guacamole are all wonderful additions.
And I’m a total toppings girl, and make zero apologies for it.
Whole30 or not, it’s a recipe worth making.
PS This was the chili I mentioned in my recent 4 of the Best Things I’ve Eaten post.
Chocolate Chili
Recipe courtesy of Well Fed: Paleo Recipes For People Who Love To Eat
Prep 20 min | Cook 2-3 hours | Serves 6-8
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 medium onions, diced (about 2 cups)
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 4 teaspoons)
2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon ground allspice (I skipped)
1 teaspoon salt
1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted, chopped tomatoes
1 can (14.5 ounces) beef broth
1 cup water
Directions:
1. Heat a large, deep pot over medium-high heat, then add the coconut oil. When the oil is melted, add onions, stir with a wooden spoon and cook until they’re translucent, about 7 minutes. Add the garlic and as soon as it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds, crumble the ground meat into the pan with your hands, mixing with the wooden spoon to combine. Continue to cook the meat, stirring often, until it’s no longer pink.
2. In a small bowl, crush the oregano between your palms to release its flavor, then add the chili powder, cumin, cocoa, allspice, and salt. Combine with a fork, then add to the pot, stirring like you mean it. Add tomato paste and stir until combined, about 2 minutes.
3. Add the tomatoes with their juice, beef broth, and water to the pot. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat so the chili enjoys a gentle simmer. Simmer uncovered for at least two hours. Do not skimp on the simmer! Serve in deep bowls with big spoons.
Variations:
Try a meat combo by mixing ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or bison.
Make a double batch and freeze half so you have chili-on-demand.
Top with sliced olives, diced onions, and/or avocado slices.
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