Deb's Cold Winter Day Chili

by DebH57 in Cooking > Soups & Stews

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Deb's Cold Winter Day Chili

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There is nothing better on a cold, snowy day than to come home to a piping hot bowl of fresh, hot chili to warm you up from the inside out.

In December we got a snowstorm in Southern California that could rival the best of the east coast storms and it made perfect weather to enjoy homemade Chili.

This instructable has been entered into the Keep Warm Contest. Please consider giving it your comment, rating and vote if you find it worthwhile.

Ingredients

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Oil
1 to 2 medium Onions, finely chopped
1 medium Bell Peppers, chopped
1 to 2 Celery Stalks, sliced thin
2 lbs. fresh Ground Beef or Chuck, coarse grind
1 lb roll of quality Ground Sausage
1 - 6 ounce can Tomato Paste
1 lb can Stewed Tomatoes, diced
1 - 16 ounce can Tomato Sauce
1 to 2 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
1 - small can Ortega Chilies, undrained
1 Tbl Salt
Black or Red Pepper, to taste
1 Bay leaf (optional)
Chili Powder, strength to your liking and taste
1 large can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed
1 large can Chili Beans, undrained
1 large or 2 small cans Pinto Beans, undrained
1 tsp Distilled White Vinegar

Serve on the side:

�he chopped onion
1 box Saltines or White or Yellow Corn Bread and soft Butter
Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cook the Sausage

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Crumble and fry sausage in a skillet, drain and set aside.

It is important to mention here for food safety you DO NOT want to cook raw pork and raw beef together in the same pan.

Saute Onions, Celery and Bell Peppers

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Brush bottom of a large heavy pot with oil.

Saut� the onions, bell pepper and celery for a few minutes until onion has turned almost clear.

Add Ground Beef

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Crumble and add ground beef and cook until meat is just browned. DO NOT drain.

Add Remaining Ingredients, Except ...

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Add remaining ingredients except chili powder. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Cook

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Bring to boil, reduce heat and simmer 2 1/2 hours, stirring often until mixture thickens.

Skim off fat with a lettuce leaf while cooking or refrigerate and lift off as a solid block.

Enjoy!

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Add Chili Powder to taste.

Serve with your choice of Crackers, Saltines, White or Yellow Corn Bread, soft butter, chopped onions and shredded cheddar on the side.