Sunday, January 30, 2011

Hearty Half Time Chili


In September of 1999, my dear friend, Cindy, emailed me a chili recipe that sat in my inbox forever before I finally tried it. I absolutely love chili- the chunkier, the better, in my opinion. But this one was, uh, weird.

It had Keilbasa in it.

I live in Arizona.

That is wrong.



Well, I finally got around to making it about New Years day 2000, and I have to say, much like in her email, it is my favorite ALL TIME recipe for chili. I did add some spices that weren't in her original recipe- cinnamon, dark cocoa powder, and Pasilla Ancho Chili powder- they gave it the unique depth of flavor I love.

The seasonings are approximate for my tastes, but you can always add or subtract according to yours. And the Keilbasa- I couldn't imagine it without it- it's fabulous!




Hearty Half Time Chili

recipe adapted from Cindy Geery

1 lb ground beef
1 lb ground pork (or Italian sausage with casings removed)
1 lb Keilbasa cut into chunks
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbs Pasilla Ancho Chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1-1/2 tsp celery salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 Tbs dark cocoa powder
Cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
2- 28oz cans cut tomatoes (do not drain)
1- 14.5oz can plain tomato sauce
1- 28oz can kidney beans (drained)
1- 28 oz can black beans


Optional toppings:

Grated Cheddar
Chopped green onions
Sour Cream


In a large dutch oven, brown ground beef with sausage, onion, Pasilla Ancho chili, cumin and garlic.

Then add keilbasa, remaining seasonings, and tomatoes. Simmer about 10 minutes and then add beans.

Evaluate and adjust seasonings to your taste, let simmer and allow flavors to meld for about 30 minutes.

Serve topped with grated cheddar, green onion, and sour cream.



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8 comments:

Patsyk said...

Perfect for the cold weather we have out here! Can you send me a bowl?

Unknown said...

Oh I think this looks totally yummy! LOVE the addition of kielbasa. Not something I would have thought of either but I'll bet it adds a zip. Thanks for this recipe!

kat said...

Lots of good stuff in there & like you we like a chunky chili but I would be thrown by that sausage addition too. Stumbled!

Megan said...

I love the addition of Kielbasa too! Almost like eating a chili dog without the bread. So perfect for Superbowl time or anytime!

SMITH BITES said...

there is nothing better than a pot of chili - and i too, love the addition of kielbasa!

Elle said...

This looks incredible! I'd never have thought of kielbasa in chili--ever. But it looks really good!

Kristen said...

I love all the unique takes on chili. This is wonderful! I think my hubs would love this.

Meg (The Red Spoon) said...

As soon as I saw a picture of your chili I saw the sausage and thought how intriguing, I would never have thought to add it! Now your pictures have me craving chili with sausage!