Sign In Forgot Password
Home

Temple Beth El Blog

Quarantine Kitchen: Comfort Food Edition: Gwen's Special Zero Alarm Chili

10/21/2020 08:25:06 AM

Oct21

Gwen Jacobsohn

Makes ~10 bowl-sized servings.
Easy to make in large batches. Freezes well.

Ingredients:

  • 3 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup green and red peppers (sweet), diced
  • ½ cup celery, diced
  • ½ cup onion, diced
  • ¼ cup carrots, diced
  • 1-2 Tbsp garlic, crushed & chopped
  • 1 cup corn kernels (canned or frozen)
  • 1 cup zucchini or yellow summer squash, diced
  • 2 cups tomatoes, diced (if canned, choose plain, fire-roasted, or with green chilies)
  • ½ cup sliced black olives
  • 1 Tbsp or more of your favorite chili powder (I recommend ones from Penzy’s)
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp ancho chili powder (optional, but adds a great smoky flavor)
  • 8-10 dashes Tabasco (or your favorite hot sauce… this is where you can raise the heat!)
  • 1 small can tomato paste
  • 4 cups chicken broth (or veggie)
  • 2 Tbsp corn starch + 2 Tbsp water
  • 2 cans of black, pinto, or great northern beans—rinsed 
  • 2 cans of kidney beans in mild chili sauce
  • OPTIONAL:
    • 1 lb. ground beef, turkey, chicken, or meat-substitute
    • Jalapeno peppers, diced
    • Cooked pasta (your choice of style)
    • Shredded cheese
    • Corn chips (e.g. Fritos)
    • Raw diced onions/scallions
    • Sour cream

Directions:

  • In a large saucepan (at least 4 quarts), heat olive oil on medium. Add peppers, celery, onions, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until tender. 
  • If you are adding ground meat, add to pan and sauté until thoroughly cooked. Stir periodically to make sure meat doesn’t burn or stick to bottom of pan. If using very lean meat, you may need to add a little more oil.
  • Add corn, zucchini, tomatoes, and black olives and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add all spices and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  • Add tomato paste, chicken broth, and jalapeños (optional). Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat slightly to avoid burning. 
  • Mix corn starch mixed with 2 Tb of water and add to pan. Cook for another 5-10 minutes, until thickened. Then add beans and simmer on low until heated all the way through. 
  • Taste it!!!! Add more seasonings to your taste level, as well as additional salt and pepper if desired.
  • Serve it in big bowls with room for pasta and/or as many toppings as you want!!! Bonus points if you make cornbread too!
April 20, 2024 12 Nisan 5784