Super Chili

From Stacy's Pita Chips "Chip Chat" e-newsletter. Untried by me, so far, but posting for safe keeping. Serving size is estimated.

• Ready In: 1 hr 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 3  ounces  chicken sausage (maple flavor preferred)
• 2  cups  chopped onions
• 1  cup  chopped green bell pepper
• 8  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  lb  ground sirloin
• 1  chopped  jalapeno
• 2  tablespoons chili powder
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1  tablespoon ground cumin
• 3  tablespoons tomato paste
• 1  teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1  teaspoon thyme
• 1  tablespoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 2  bay leaves
• 1 1⁄4 cups  fruity red wine
• 2 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes, undrained and coarsely chopped
• 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
• 1⁄2 cup  shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1⁄4 cup red onions (optional) or 1⁄4 cup green onion (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot, combine crumbled chicken sausage with onion, bell pepper, garlic, and sirloin.
2. Cook over medium-high heat until sausage and sirloin are browned.
3. Add in chili powder, brown sugar, cumin, tomato paste, dried oregano, ground pepper, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt and bay leaves.
4. Stir in wine, tomatoes and kidney beans then bring mixture to a boil.
5. Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Garnish with red or green onion and cheddar cheese. Serve with Simply Naked Pita Chips.