Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Mouth Watering Chili


4             slices thick-cut apple smoked bacon, diced
3/4          pound chicken breast , cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1             tablespoon chipotle chili powder
1             teaspoon ground cumin
1             tablespoon Southwest Seasoning, (recipe below )
2             medium onions, diced
1/2          red bell pepper , diced
1             tablespoon minced garlic
1/4          teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
1             (14-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes, with juices
4             cups chicken broth
3             cups water, plus more if needed
1             pound dried pinto beans, rinsed and picked over
3-1/2       tablespoons light brown sugar
2             tablespoons ketchup
1             teaspoon prepared yellow mustard

Southwest Seasoning:

2            tablespoons chili powder
2            teaspoons ground cumin
2            tablespoons paprika
1            teaspoon black pepper
1            tablespoon ground coriander
1            teaspoon cayenne pepper
1            tablespoon garlic powder
1            teaspoon crushed red pepper
1            tablespoon salt
1            tablespoon dried oregano

Directions

1 .       In a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat, cook the bacon until the fat is completely rendered and the bacon is crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the bacon using a slotted spoon and set on the side. Add the cubed chicken, chili powder, cumin, and Southwest Essence to the hot rendered fat in the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is well browned, 4 to 6 minutes.
2 .      Add the onions, bell pepper, garlic and oregano and cook until soft, about 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes,broth, water and beans and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, partially cover the pot, and cook, stirring occasionally, until meat and beans are tender and sauce is thick and flavorful, about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
3 .        (TIP : add more liquid if the sauce gets too thick before the beans are tender.)
4 .         When the beans are tender and sauce is thickened, add the brown sugar, ketchup, and mustard and cook until thick and flavors have come together, about 20 to 30 minutes longer.

Serve hot.

Southwest Seasoning:
Combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Yield: 1/2 cup

TIP:While most chili starts with a basic base of meat and tomatoes, some can be very complex with vegetables, beans and other ingredients. Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a healthy pot of chili:

1 .      When preparing chili, make sure you wash your hands frequently as you handle hot peppers. If you have sensitive skin, you may want to wear gloves. Be very careful not to touch your eyes, mouth or nose until you have thoroughly washed your hands.

2 .       Choose lean cuts of meat and add lots of beans. Try adding different types of beans such as black, small red beans, kidney beans and pinto beans. If using canned beans, drain and rinse these before adding to the pot.

3 .        Add whole grains such as barley or serve chili over brown rice.

4 .         Add extra vegetables. Onions, bell pepper, zucchini, squash, shredded carrots and celery make wonderful additions to your pot of chili.

5 .        Limit high-fat additions such as cheese, sour cream, and corn chips. A little of any of these is all you need to add a little extra flavor to your chili.

20 comments:

  1. Good afternoon Nee, Boy it is cold and rainy here on Long Island. I could really use a bowl of this delicious inviting Chili right now. Looks amazing! Pure comfort foods, love a really good Chili.This recipe is a really good one and very authentic. You hit it when you said it was mouthwatering! Lots of terrific ingredients that make this a great bowl of goodness!!! Thanks dear friend, please save me a bowl! Have a good rest of the week. Dottie :)

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  2. Good evening Dottie ,
    It would go good with the weather you are having , I hear t's quite cold and rainy there , we will get rain this weekend ... so they say . I do my own forecasting since the weather is so unpredictable . I wet my finger run out side and hold it up to the wind .

    I use chicken in this chili , trying to not eat as much beef . As you know my family eats lots of spices and herbs . Your bowl is ready and waiting for you .
    Thanks for stopping by and I do so hope you are feeling better . Have a great wee and stay warm .... ~~Nee~~ ;- D

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  3. Cold here too in PA, Nee, better save me a bowl of that Chili too!!!

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    1. (giggling) Your bowl and Marion bowl is waiting with some club crackers . I am so bad .
      Got a new gif from hubby dad , he said to share with everyone . Thanks for stopping by and stay warm (((HUGS)))) to you and Marion . :)

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    2. Just popping by to say Hi Nee. Hope you are still feeling good:)

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  4. Nee, this chili looks so heart...indeed perfect for this cold weather...
    Enjoy your week :)

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    1. Hi Juliana , with all the baking , shopping for the holidays , it's nice to sit down with a nice bowl of chili . Thanks for stopping by :)

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  5. Dear Nee, I love chili. I like it served so many ways. I like it with spaghetti, rice or eggs; even sandwiched between two slices of bread with cheese. Looks great. xoxo Catherine

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    1. Hi Catherine , you are so right , so many ways and never the same . We call it the three CCCs country down here ....Creole ... Cajun .... Chili .
      Thanks for stopping by :)

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  6. Hi Nee, very beautiful color. Great to serve this chili with your favorite omelet, noodles or spaghetti. Cheers and regards :)

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    1. Hi Ivy , thanks and I serve it with all you mention . Thanks for stopping by :)

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  7. This chili definitely looks very delicious.. Next time I will be planning to make chili I will try your version :)

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    1. Hi Medeja , try it ... it has chicken instead of beef . Thanks for stopping by :)

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  8. I've never met a chili I didn't like! And I have to say yours looks exceptional -- really full of flavor. And I love the photo! I'm always such a sucker for overhead shots. ;-) Really nice -- thanks.

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    1. Hi John , I love chili .... I bet you have heard of sweep the kitchen chili , it has bourdon in it and ohhhh so good . Thanks for stopping by . :)

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  9. Your chili looks delicious, Nee! It has been quite sometime since I last make any chili! Yum!

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    1. Hi Joyce , we are having the weather for chili here ... cold and rainy . thanks for stopping by :)

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  10. Hi Nee, your mouth watering chili is perfectly named, love all the flavor!

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    1. Hi Cheri , the flavors go so well together this time of year . Thanks for stopping by :)

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    2. Hi Cheri , love chili and there are so many different ones to choose from , thanks for stopping by :)

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Hi friends, thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to say hello. The welcome mat is always out and the coffee is always hot .I really appreciate your sweet gesture!