Red Chili

I like to play in the kitchen. Sometimes, putting together a complicated project is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. But, it doesn't always have to be hard.

I've been cooking this chili for fifty years and I still like it. It is an easy, kid-friendly recipe that my brother and I learned at an early age. It was a way for us to help out and get dinner started.

Recipe #28 Red Chili

1 pound hamburger
1 can chili beans
1 can tomatoes

1 chopped onion
1 minced garlic clove
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 beef bouillon cube
pinch red pepper flakes
salt & pepper

Brown the hamburger, adding onions, garlic and about half the seasonings. Dried onion or onion powder and garlic powder can be substituted. This is especially helpful for younger kids who lack knife skills. It's also good for camping when prep space is difficult.

Add 1 can of beans and one can of tomatoes. Kuner's Chili Beans are a Colorado product that uses pinto beans. There are several other brand of chili beans to chose from. I used Mexican style stewed tomatoes, but whole, diced, or crushed are equally good.

Add about 1 cup of water. How much water added will determine the thickness of the final dinner. Add the remaining spices. Bouillon cubes have a lot if salt, so don't add too much additional salt. Simmer for 30-60 minutes.

Serve with a bit of cheese on top. Add a warm tortilla or saltine crackers on the side.