- 2 yellow onions (i usually use sweet onions but these seemed to do just fine)
2 large carrots , chopped to the size of your preference
peppers - 1
2 cloves fresh garlic , minced
1/2 to 1 bag frozen or 1 can corn , depending on your liking
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
2 16oz cans black beans
2 16oz can chili beans
1 15oz can garbonzo beans
2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (aldi or a mexican market will have these if you can't find them)
1-2 cans stewed tomatoes
1 Tbs olive oil
protein, if desired: i used one package of soy crumbles this time. other tasty options:
ground beef
ground pork
ground turkey
ground venison or bison or game meat
any sort of "roast" or tougher cut of meat is perfect for this as well.
spicy sausage works great as well, either vegan or animal sausage.
i've also used several proteins at once for multi-textures.
(just remember to let the protein cook in the chili for awhile before you do your final seasoning !)
herbs & seasoning tweaks: i use a LOT of chili powder for a rich full flavor, you use to taste.
couple dashes kosher salt
pepper of your choice to taste - i used peppercorn
cayenne pepper to taste
chipotle peppers and sauce - i was very liberal with this one!
brown sugar , honey , or agave to taste. (not too much..but in combo with the chipotles it gives a sweet front with a slow heat on the back)
juice of one lemon
optional ingredients i have used in the past, but not this time around:
fresh tomatoes , celery , kidney beans , jalapeno peppers , potatoes , sweet potatoes , yellow squash….anything you can think of.
one bottle very hoppy or non-chocolaty stout beer (if you've never tried it..do so. it's AMAZING for chili !)
toppings: green onion , cheese , sour cream , raw onions , sprig of parsely, fresh tomatoes , etc.
also..make sure to have things like tomato paste on hand for thickening and richer taste.
