Homecooking Chili

I think this is a great chili recipe--it's from the Jan/Feb 2003 issue of "Cooking Light". The flavors come together nicely, and I like the addition of brown sugar, and of course, wine!

• Ready In: 1 hr 20 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 1  tablespoon  oil
• 6  ounces  hot Italian turkey sausage (I use kid-friendly mild)
• 2  cups  chopped onions
• 1  cup  chopped green bell pepper
• 6  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  lb  ground sirloin
• 1  jalapeno pepper, chopped
• 2  tablespoons chili powder
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 3  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano, crumbled
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2  bay leaves
• 1 1⁄4 cups  merlot or 1 1⁄4 cups  other fruity red wine
• 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 (15 ounce) cans red kidney beans, drained
• 1  cup  grated sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Heat oil in large pot and cook sausage (casings removed), onion, green pepper, garlic, ground sirloin, and jalapeno until meat is browned (about 8 minutes).
2. Add chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, tomato paste, oregano, pepper, salt, and bay leaves, and cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in wine, tomatoes, and beans; bring to a boil.
4. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
5. Uncover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Discard bay leaves.
7. Sprinkle servings with cheese, if desired.