The weather is getting cooler across the country. The leaves are disappearing from the trees and in some places snow has already covered what was left of the grass. Fall is turning to winter and the one thing Americans love to eat when the weather gets cooler is chili.
Even the Jerusalem Post noted this trend in their November 24, 2011 article when they began by saying “Americans are crazy for chili ...”
The article later went on to explain why. “A staple of home cooking as well as restaurant fare, chili is hearty, warming and easy to make. A favorite for parties, it’s practical for weekday meals too. Chili cooks quickly because it is usually made with ground meat.”
Exactly! The best part about making chili is that one can make it however one wants, with whatever ingredients one desires (or has on hand). Blogger Mark Knowles even named chili as one of the top ten best American foods. His favorite is a chili con carne (with meat) using fresh chilies and homemade chili pepper.
For those who don’t have the time or inclination for “fancy”, time-consuming chili recipes, the recipe below would work well. It is low in spice for younger palates and has more of a sweet taste from the added baked beans.
Though it has never won a blue ribbon (yet), it often receives raves from people of all ages who like the overall flavor and texture. Parents especially will love it because it is super-easy to prepare and is a one-pot healthy meal, perfect for weekday dinners.
Maria’s Crock pot Chili
• 1 can sweet corn
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can baked beans (vegetarian)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (can get the kind with peppers in for an extra kick)
• 2 cans tomato soup
• 1 pound ground turkey (beef can also be used if desired)
• Seasonings as desired (paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, Cajun seasoning)
Directions:
Brown the ground turkey until there is no more pink color to the meat. Sprinkle the desired amount of seasonings onto the ground turkey and be sure to mix it in. In the crock pot, add the rest of the ingredients, including all the liquid from each can. Add in the ground turkey and mix well.
Cover and cook on high for 1-4 hours or on low for up to 9 hours. Top with your favorite chili toppings such as sour cream, corn chips, cheese, salsa or anything else. This recipe doubles easily and freezes well. Enjoy!
Sources:
Jerusalem Post; Web. 24, November 2011. 'Hot chili for chilly days". http://www.jpost.com/FoodIndex/Article.aspx?id=246812
Mark-Knowles.com. Web. 26 November 2011. "Tope Ten American Recipes." http://mark-knowles.hubpages.com/hub/Top-Ten-American-Recipes
Edited by Jody Smith