Hearty and Healthy Chili

Level of Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground meat** (beef, pork or turkey or combination)
• 1 medium onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 green pepper, chopped (about ½ cup; and/or red pepper)
• 1 small jalapeno, minced
• 1 28oz can tomatoes (or 3 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 2 tablespoons cornmeal
• 1-15oz can pinto or black beans (or 1 ½ cups home-cooked beans)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

1. In a large pot, cook meat over medium heat using a spoon to break into small pieces and stir; cook until meat starts to turn pink.
2. Add onions and sauté for about 5 minutes, turning to prevent browning. Mix in seasonings and stir.
3. Toss in carrots and peppers and cook 5 minutes mixing frequently.
4. Add tomatoes and cornmeal, bring to a boil; cook for 5 more mins.
5. Lower heat and simmer for about 1 to 1 1/2 hour.
6. Stir in beans and heat for 3-5 minutes.
7. You can add flavor by serving with minced cilantro, additional chopped raw onion, grated cheese or sour cream.

Lower Calorie Version

• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• Additional cup of peppers

Following the same recipe, toss in these extra vegetables with the carrots and peppers. You might need additional cornmeal or tomato paste to thicken to your preference.

**Vegetarian Version

You can substitute 16 ounces tempeh in place of meat, but you may need to add 1 cup of cooked quinoa or bulgur (stirred in at the end) for a more satisfying meal.