berry desserts: Martha Mondays

Martha Mondays - Real Deal Chili

I am always on the search for a good chili recipe. Martha has several that I wanted to try, and this was one of them - her Real-Deal Chili. And I wasn't disappointed. I loved the flavors in this chili. The different seasonings really came through.

Real-Deal Chili

adapted from Martha Stewart

2 slices thick-cut center cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/4-inch pieces
1/2 of a red onion, coarsely chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tablespoon paprika
3/4 teaspoons ground cumin
3/4 teaspoons dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3/4 teaspoons salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1.25 pounds ground beef chuck
1 1/2 cups water
1 tablespoons fine cornmeal, or masa harina
3/4 tablespoons cider, or other vinegar
1 tbsp chopped jalapeno
Chopped scallion, grated cheddar cheese, lime wedges, and sour cream for topping

In a large pot, cook bacon over medium heat until just beginning to brown. Add onion and garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Drain off excess bacon grease. Add paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper, and ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally and breaking up the meat, until the beef is cooked through.

Stir in water, cornmeal, and vinegar. Bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer. Add in beans and jalapenos. Cook until liquid thickens, about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Garnish with desired toppings.

Printable recipe

I do have a couple of suggestions: add some beans! Whatever kind of beans you like. Pinto beans. Kidney beans. Chili beans. Whatever your little heart desires. A chili doesn't seem complete, in my opinion, without some kind of beans in it. Otherwise, it just seemed like seasoned ground beef. Don't get me wrong, deliciously flavored ground beef.

So the second time I made it, I had to give it a little tweak and added a 16 oz. can of pinto beans : )

We served our chili with some garlic bread on the side.

I am participating in Martha Mondays. Go check out if everyone else thought Martha's chili was the real deal?

I am also linking up to:

Potluck Sunday
Sundays At One

Recipe Swap Sunday
Mouthwatering Monday

Monday Mania
Hunk of Meat Monday
Delicious Dishes
Tailgating Time!

Tasty Tuesdays
Hearth 'N Soul

Tuesday Night Supper Club

Tuesdays at the Table

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