Game Day or Any Day Chili

It’s that time of year again. Football season. (I wanted to say Fall, but it’s in the mid 80’s around here and I’m still wearing shorts.) What better way to feed a hungry crowd gathered at your house than with a big pot of flavorful chili. You can omit the ground beef and go meatless, and you won’t miss a thing. Added bonus, only one pot to clean.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (Yes, dark chocolate chips. Trust me.)
• 1 15 ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup water

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Diced green onions

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook ground beef over medium high heat. When browned, add onions, celery and corn. Stir and cook for an additional 3 minutes until onions have softened.
2. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix well. When chili comes to a boil, lower heat to low. Let simmer for an hour.
3. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese and diced green onion and serve.