That Simple Chili

Directions

1. 1
   Heat oil in pan and brown meat only until no longer pink.
2. 2
   Drain off any fat and set aside.
3. 3
   In same pan, saute onion until softened, about 2 minutes, adding garlic last minute.
4. 4
   Mix the tomato puree with the flour and tomato paste.
5. 5
   *Combine the cooked meat, onion, garlic and remaining ingredients in crock pot or non-reactive casserole dish.
6. 6
   Cook on low in crock pot for about 4 hours, being careful to dry out the chili, or in casserole dish at 325 degrees for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
7. 7
   Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
8. 8
   NOTE: You can use, as I have, ground chicken, turkey or Gimme Lean meat substitute for the beef.
9. 9
   I combine all the ingredients the night before in the crock pot and refrigerate.
10. 10
    (This enables the chili to thicken up but also enriches the flavors of all the ingredients.)
11. 11
    The next day I heat up the chili as suggested above.