Hearty Chili

We know chili isn't exactly a popular summertime recipe, but sometimes you just feel like eating something hearty and filling even when it's 90 degrees outside. Besides, we get a lot of rainy days in the summer in Miami, therefore chili is usually well-received. It's totally okay to enjoy some chili, then slip into a bikini or swim trunks afterwards. This light recipe cuts a lot of calories but none of the flavor by substituting some of the beef for chicken and turkey. Tons of veggies in it too! This is a perfect recipe to feed a crowd as it serves up to 10-12 people!

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons of olive oil

2 large onions

1 green pepper

8 garlic cloves

1 lb. of lean ground beef

1 lb. of ground chicken

1 lb. of ground turkey

1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

2 15 oz. cans diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons paprika

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 tablespoons fresh oregano

1 tablespoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 bottles of light beer

1 15 oz. can of black beans

1 15 oz. can of cannellini beans

1 15 oz. can of red kidney beans

Salt 

Pepper

Toppings:

Sour cream

Shredded cheddar cheese

Cilantro

Tortilla chips

Fresh tomatoes

Limes

Kitchen essentials:

Stove

Dutch oven or large pot

Knife

Cutting board

Wooden spoon or spatula

Measuring spoons

Can opener

Strainer

Directions:

Chop the onions and peppers finely. Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a dutch oven. When the oil is hot, throw in the onion and peppers. Add a little salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 5-6 minutes. Finely chop the garlic and cook for about a minute. Next, add the ground lean meat, chicken and turkey and cook thoroughly. Add some more salt and pepper. It is important to season each layer for intense flavor. Once the meat has browned, add the tomato sauce, beer and diced tomatoes. Add the rest of the spices and cook for a few minutes until the sauce is bubbling.  Strain the liquid from the canned beans. Lower the heat and add the beans. Simmer on low for about 45 - 60 minutes and allow the flavors to marry. Stir the chili occasionally. Taste to make sure the seasoning is right. Serve with sour cream, chopped tomatoes, cheddar cheese and cilantro. We like to crumble up tortilla chips on top and give it a squirt of lime juice. Enjoy!