i’ve posted this amazing chili before, but i’ve added some ingredients and variations that i really love.  plus, it’s just SO GOOD.  i made it last night for some hungry guys, and it really hit the spot on a friday night.

BLACK BEAN CHILI

• brown some ground beef or turkey in a bit of olive oil.  it can be as lean as you can find it.
• drop in a chopped onion and 3 garlic cloves, finely minced.
• after that’s all gone soft and yummy, add some red wine, just a 1/2 cup or less, and some worcestershire sauce or soy sauce.  cook for a minute.
• add the following delicious seasonings:  cumin, lots of chili powder, salt and pepper, and just a pinch of cinnamon, which makes it taste so exotic.
• let the spices cook for a minute, then add bell peppers and two jalapenos, seeded and chopped.
• add black beans and a big can of crushed organic tomatoes.  i made a big batch for four guys and me, so i used three cans of beans and a 28-ounce can of tomatoes.  but you can adjust it as you wish.
• add a can of veggie or beef stock.
• if you like cilantro, drop it a few chopped stems of the cilantro.  the stems really hold up to cooking, unlike the leaves, which will garnish the chili later.
• bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer, put the lid half on and leave it until your guests arrive!  mine was on the stove for a couple hours, but i’ve also eaten this after 30 minutes of simmering.
• serve with chopped cilantro and corn cakes.

this chili is so fresh and bright and healthy.  i hope you try it!