Smoky, Spicy Chili to Warm Up Your Holidays

I hope those of you that celebrate Thanksgiving had a very happy holiday, and those that don’t, I hope you had a great weekend!  I can’t believe it is already December 1st!  I don’t know how that happened.  It seems like it was just the beginning of November a few hours ago.  It is definitely feeling more like Christmas around here as far as the weather goes.  I actually broke down and turned the heater on this weekend.  My husband and I compete to see who can go the longest before turning it on. Not that we are competitive or anything!   I always lose because I am always cold.  Today I have a recipe for you that will help keep you all warm and cozy inside, even if it is cold outside.  It is a recipe for chili that is a little different from most.

The reason that it is different are the spices in it. I used to get tired of making the same old chili every time, so came up with this one to change things up. It has a bit of a kick (but not too much), and a smoky flavor due to the chipotle powder in it.  I absolutely love the flavor of this chili.  It also has 3 types of beans in it.  I like the flavor combination and the color they provide as well as the added nutrition. If you like the flavor of chipotle and would like  a chili recipe that is a little bit spicy, I hope you will give this one a try.  It has been tested and approved by my mother, who gave it a thumbs up (and there isn’t even any butter in it). She has been asking me for the recipe which is why I posted this today.  If you don’t like it, please send all complaints to her!:)

Smoky, Spicy Chili

• 1  pound hamburger
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp. salt
• 2 tsp. cumin
• 2 tsp. chipotle powder
• 2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 (15 oz. can garbanzo beans, drained
• 1 (15 oz.) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained
• 1 (28 oz.) can diced tomatoes with juice (or  14 oz. can diced tomatoes and 14 oz. can diced tomatoes with jalapenos)
• 1 (28 oz.) can water
• 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
• grated cheddar cheese for garnish (optional)
• more diced raw onion for garnish (optional)

1. Brown hamburger and onion together.
2. Place hamburger and onion in large soup pot, leaving drippings in pan.
3. Saute garlic in drippings for 1 or 2 minutes.  Add to pot with hamburger.
4. Add all other ingredients.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 30 minutes, uncovered.
5. Serve with grated cheese and more chopped, raw onion if desired.  Refrigerate any leftovers.