Chilin' out!

This is a quick post, but I will be doing a LOT more posting soon, and have some great new things to share, all from a new home office!

Because school and an autumn full of activities and busy evenings is just around the corner, I give you this incredibly easy, but also tremendously tasty, chili recipe! It's very paleo-friendly and can be easily adapted to your personal tastes, if you'd like to add beans or other veggies, or take out the corn, use different meat or protein source, etc. I've also given some ideas to go vegan with this!

Enjoy!

Paleo-esque Chili!

Into the pot of your 7 quart (or bigger) slow cooker goes:
1 lb. 85/15 or 80/20 ground beef
1 large green bell pepper, diced small (1/4” dice)
3 medium carrots, diced small (1/4” dice)
4 ribs celery,  diced small (1/4” dice)
1/2 large white onion
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tomatoes, seeds and "guts" removed, chopped (or 1 15oz can petite diced tomatoes)
(I also added a cup of frozen corn, not paleo, but YUM!)

Add:
1 small can tomato paste
2 cups beef stock

2 tsp. each of the following:
Chili powder
Coriander
Smoked Paprika 
(add more chili powder and paprika for more heat)

1 tbsp. each:
Cumin
Sea salt

A few dashes Worcestershire sauce

Mix everything gently to incorporate.
Cook on high for 4-5 hours, salt to taste if needed and serve with a little sprinkle of queso fresco or finely grated sharp cheddar and thinly sliced green onion, or small-diced raw red onion, on top.

Ground turkey can be used in place of beef, along with turkey or chicken stock, or even veggie stock, in place of beef stock. You could also take out the meat, use beans or a meat-substitute of your choice, omit the Wochestershire sauce and use vegetable stock, for vegan chili!

This recipe is created for a slow cooker, but you can do this on the stove top as well, by using a large (8 quart or bigger) pot with a lid, and following the same instructions. Cook on a medium heat for 30 minutes uncovered and stirring often, then turn down to low and simmer covered for another 30 minutes, only stirring occasionally  to really develop the flavors of your spices. 

I hope you and your family enjoy this chili as much as we do around here! Please give it a try and let me know what you think!