Loaded Chili

Loaded Chili

Summer chili can be robust and full of nutrition! With many vegetables at their peak in season, it makes sense to make a chili loaded with summers best vegetables. In this recipe I used zucchini, tomatoes, corn, celery, green bell pepper, onion, mushrooms, four types of beans, and beef. Loaded with summer veggies, and topped with sour creme and shredded cheddar makes this chili a powerhouse of flavor and nutrients. 

What's on Sale?

The price of fruits and vegetables in season are not only vibrant with color, but they are affordable as well, allowing the consumer to purchase more. This week Kroger had several fruits and veggies on sale, including zucchini and squash for .99 per pound, celery .99 per pound,  fresh green beans for .99 per pound, Roma and on the vine tomatoes for .99 per pound,  green bell peppers .69 each, mushrooms 3/5.00, and plums were .99 per pound. As you can see all of those veggies, except for the green beans go great in chili! Although some people do like to add green beans as well, your preference, you are the chef with endless possibilities.

Who doesn't want to save money? Whether you are on government food assistance, or have a six figure income, we all want to save money. One way to decrease your food budget significantly is to purchase items on sale that week and prepare your meals accordingly. I don't always have a plan for dinner, and many times my inspiration comes form what is on sale. When I bought the veggies this week I intended on making grilled veggies, however my kids were craving chili. Sometimes I think there is some Spanish or Mexican genes in our family. My kids can eat chili,quesadilla's, and tacos every day! Many of my menu ideas come from my kids who request certain things. If its on sale, then chances are I can make it.

Beans

Chili is as diverse as the chef making it! A main ingredient in most chili's are beans. I used four types of beans, Red Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans, White Northern Beans, and Black Beans. A word about beans. While I love to save money, you have to be careful when it comes to nutrition versus price. For example, Coincidently Kroger had all their beans on sale including all of the beans I just mentioned. I was excited that I was not only saving tons of money on in season veggies, I would also be saving on canned beans that I could use later on down the road if I purchased more since they were on sale. I always buy the organic beans, they are always priced at 10/10.00. However I noticed that Kroger had their own brand of beans on sale this week for .69 a can. I put ten cans in the cart, but then I realized I didn't look at the ingredients. My first choice, the organic beans made by Kroger called Simply Organic Brand ingredients listed: Beans, water, and sea salt. The original Kroger bean brand listed: Beans, Water Salt, and two other preservatives, they had a much higher sodium content. So of course I went with the healthier choice for only a few dollars more. So remember, the sale item is not always your best choice! 

Cornbread

Although I would have loved to have made homemade cornbread, there are some days that time is limited. So I used a boxed brand. Nothing like cornbread with chili. They go hand in hand like cookies and milk!

Recipe 

2 pounds ground beef

2 cans black beans

2 cans great northern beans

2 cans pinto beans

2 cans of red kidney beans

2 cans corn

2 cans crushed tomatoes
1 can diced tomatoes

1 large can tomato paste

1 can jalapeno

1 can green chili's

1 large onion

4 cloves garlic

3 stalks celery

1 bell pepper

1 zucchini

Beef Broth/Beef Bullion

Chili powder

Cumin

Paprika

Garlic Powder

Parsley (Fresh or dried)

Brown sugar

Worcestershire sauce

Salt and Pepper S/P
Sour Creme
Shredded Cheese

Obviously this will make a large pot for a large family. However, you can always cut the recipe down to your families needs. You can also freeze chili and warm it up another day. Remember recipes are guidelines and many ingredients can be substituted for others. This chili has a lot of ingredients, however I have made many chilies with as little as three ingredients, like meat, beans and onion, or as many as I have today.

Directions

Open all cans, drain and rinse beans. Put beef in pan, add salt and pepper, and brown. While the meat is cooking dice onion, celery, green bell pepper, and mushrooms and add to meat, add S/P again. Be sure to salt and pepper in layers as you go along. It is the best way to provide enough S/P but not too much or too little. Add 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. Mince 2 cloves of garlic and add to meat. Cook until meat is cooked all the way through and veggies are tender. 

While the meat is cooking you can start on the chili. On medium heat add to a large stock pot pour crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and two cups of water. Add 1 carton beef stock or broth. If you do not have stock you can use beef bouillon cubes. Add beans, and 2 more cloves of garlic. salt and pepper. Add 2 tsp of cumin, 2 tsp of chili powder, 2 tsp of paprika, and 1 tsp garlic powder. Add S/P.  Make sure you stir as you go along so that the ingredients don't stick to the bottom of the pot. 

You can add the corn, the zucchini, the jalapeno, and the green chili's. Add as much of the jalapeno and green chili's as you like. You can adjust the level of heat you desire. Next add 2 tablespoons brown sugar, two dashes of Worcestershire sauce, and parsely. Stir and cook on medium low heat for 20 minutes or until beans are heated through. While the chili is cooking prepare the box cornbread and bake according to directions, about 16-18 minutes. 

Turn off heat and let stand about 15 minutes. Serve with a dollop of sour creme and shredded cheese if desired.

Nutritional Benefits of Chili Pepper Dried (Chili Powder)

The chili pepper is known for its spicy flavor that can range from mild to hot. We will talk more about the chili tomorrow. Check back for updates!