Dan's Spicy Chili

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs ground beef or stewing beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion
• 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• serrano pepper
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans or dark red kidney beans
• 1 (12 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomatoes, diced
• 2 cups water
• 1/4-1/2 cup cumin
• 1/4-1/2 cup chili powder
• 1/2 cup cilantro, cousely chopped

Directions

1. 1

   Remember my recipes are just guidelines, not rules. If you do not like something in it, remove it or substitute something else.

2. 2

   If you are going to use peppers, it is best to toast them in the broiler or over an open flame to burn the skins. Optional: Split them open and remove the veins and seeds (lower heat, fruitier flavor).

3. 3

   Coarsely chop the onion.

4. 4

   Add the onion, garlic, and olive oil to a hot skillet; sauté until the onions are translucent.

5. 5

   Add ground beef or stewing beef to the onions and garlic.

6. 6

   When the beef is browned, go ahead and drain grease if there is any.

7. 7

   Now add the 2 cups of water, tomato paste and diced tomatoes to the beef mixture.

8. 8

   Start adding your spices as the mixture comes to a low boil.

9. 9

   Lower your burner to simmer and add your beans.

10. 10

    Let simmer for 1 to 2 hours until desired thickness.

11. 11

    Optional: You can also transfer your chili to a slow cooker at this point and cook for an even longer period of time.

12. 12

    More Fire: Add some of your favorite hot sauce. I use something called Vicious Viper.

13. 13

    Extra Veggies: I like to add a can of whole kernel corn, but any other veggie will work.