Hodgepodge Chili

tgobbi's Note:

Since I'm very particular about chili I look at new recipes for the dish with a skeptical eye. This one, published in the Chicago Tribune on 1/11/06 looked interesting and turned out to be quite good. It wasn't nearly spicy enough so I recommend increasing the amount of jalapenos to 6 or more and at least doubling the amount of chili powder.

• Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 2 hrs

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 lb Italian sausage , casings removed & crumbled
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 large onion , chopped
• 1 green bell pepper , seeded, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves , minced
• 2 -6 jalapenos , seeds removed & chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin seed
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1 (28 ounce) can chopped tomatoes , with juice
• 1 (15 ounce) can undrained kidney beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can undrained great northern beans
• 1 (14 ½ ounce) can chicken broth
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped parsley

Optional toppings

• shredded cheese (optional)
• chopped onion (optional)
• sliced jalapeno (optional)
• chopped tomato (optional)

Directions:

1. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add sausage and beef to oil. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in onion, bell pepper, garlic, jalapenos, chili powder, cumin seeds and salt. Cook, stirring often, until onion softens, about 4 minutes.
4. Add tomatoes, beans, broth, tomato paste, cilantro and parsley; stir to combine. Heat to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Cook, partially covered, until flavors have blended, 2 1/2-3 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasonings.
6. Serve with toppings on the side if desired.