My Super Spicy Chili Recipe and My Hatred for Cooking

I used to absolutely dread the thought of cooking. Especially before I met and lived with my fiance Eddie, because I only had myself to cook for and most recipes make enough for an entire family. It always seemed like such a chore after a long day at work or school and I just didn't want to be bothered. Some may even say I had a hatred for it back in the day. I ate out as much as possible, not only because I was lazy, but because I didn't think I could make anything that tasted as good as I could get at a restaurant. 

Over the past few years, (especially when I was unemployed, low on money and had a lot of time on my hands) I started experimenting with more and more recipes and branching out slowly. I found out I was actually a pretty good cook and enjoyed the rewarding feeling of making something that tastes great that other people liked as well! I actually can make something to eat that I enjoy as much as going out, who knew?

I've been experimenting over the past year in search of the perfect chili recipe and one that Eddie loves (sometimes he can be a picky eater) and I think I've finally found a great combination of ingredients that are healthy as well. I started out with a recipe I found on Pinterest and tweaked it from there. The recipe can be made with lean ground chicken or lean ground turkey (I prefer it with chicken, Eddie prefers turkey), but the rest of the ingredients are the same. After cooking the meat (Step 2) you can also transfer the mixture to a crockpot to finish cooking, which is what I usually do. 

This recipe won't cost you too much either! The most expensive thing you're going to buy is the meat; the hot sauce, brown sugar and vinegar will last you for a while, since you're only using a small amount. And you can use them for other recipes! Everything else you can get for $1 or less. But if you follow weekly grocery ads and plan ahead, you can make this chili fairly cheap. 

I must also say that this picture doesn't do it justice, it was taken on my old iphone and in low lighting. I'm going to have to work on my photography skills and angles for the future. :)

Super Spicy Chili: 

You will need:

• 1 package of lean ground chicken or lean ground turkey (usually comes in 20oz packages)
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup chopped green pepper
• 1-2 tbsp chopped or minced garlic (depending on how much you like garlic, I love it!)
• 2 chopped jalapenos
• 1 packet of chili seasoning mix of your choice (I use McCormick low sodium chili seasoning. You can also substitute 1/4 cup of chili powder in place of the seasoning if you prefer)
• 15-16 ounces (about 2 cups) of crushed or petite diced tomatoes with green chiles or chili seasoned (I usually buy one 14.5oz and one 10oz can)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp hot sauce (I use sriracha, again depending on how spicy you want)
• 1 can dark red kidney beans, drained
• 1 can chili beans aka pinto beans in chili seasoning, not drained
• Garnish with 2% sharp cheddar cheese and fat free sour cream

Directions:

1. Heat canola oil in large pan. Add onion, pepper, garlic and jalapenos. Cook over medium until onion and peppers are tender (just a few minutes). 

2. Add ground chicken or turkey. Break up into smaller chunks (as you would when making tacos) until brown and cooked through (no pink). Stir in chili seasoning thoroughly and cook one minute. 

3. Transfer to crockpot and add tomatoes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and hot sauce. Mix. Cook on high for 1-2 hours or on low for 4-6 (cooking times may vary depending on your pot). 

*If you don't use the crockpot, add tomatoes, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and hot sauce to pan. Mix. Reduce heat to low and cover. Stir often until chili is thickened (about 45 minutes).*

4. Stir in beans and cook for another 15 minutes (uncovered if cooking in pan)

5. Top with cheese and sour cream.

The recipe makes enough to serve at least 4 people. We always have leftovers. We like this recipe because we love spicy food and we like our chili with lots of beans and some extra broth from the chili beans so it's not too chunky. Let me know how yours turned out, if you made any substitutions and if you enjoyed it!