For this fan cold weather means one thing. It’s time for some homemade Chili. A tailgating meal that is sure to please the taste buds and warm the body (did anyone else not know that drinking alcohol doesn’t keep you warm). And since the cooking of the Chili is done at home there is more time to relax, drink, and play games at the tailgate. Just warm and enjoy. As an added bonus if you are tailgating at and going to the opposition’s stadium, Chili gives you one more reason for the home fans to hate you (who passed the gas?!?)
Below is a family recipe that my dad and I have been making for years once the NFL calendar hits December. Unsure where the basis for the recipe came from, but over the years additions have been made and the results just keep getting better!
The Goods:
- 1 lb. ground turkey or beef
- 1 small chopped onion
- 2 cans chopped chilies
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can chick-peas
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can (28 oz.) diced tomatoes (including juice)
- 1 small chopped red pepper
- 1 small chopped green pepper
- 1 can (6 oz.) tomato sauce
- 1 large jalapeno pepper (seeded, de-veined and chopped)
- 1 cup of beer (I go with Sam Adams lager)
- 1 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1-2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon tabasco
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 package of Old El Paso taco seasoning mix
Directions:
- Cook the meat and onion in a skillet at medium heat. Mix in the taco seasoning.
- Stir and break up the meat. Cook until the meat is no longer pink.
- Drain the fat and transfer the meat and onions to a crock pot.
- Add and mix all of the remaining ingredients in the crock pot.
- Cook overnight on high for approximately 6-8 hours.
On gameday, light your burner and place the pot of Chili over the heat. Bring the Chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium, finally bringing the Chili to a simmer. Last and most importantly serve and enjoy! Oh yeah, don’t forget to top your bowl off with some shredded cheddar cheese!