In Plain Sight Chili

Long before Jessica Seinfeld came out with her book on "hiding" veggies in different foods, I have been fortifying our meals with extra servings of veggies.  When Larry saw that she had written a book, he said, "Hey, she stole your idea."  I have to say, if I've been doing it for years and several authors have written books about it, it can't be that original...or mine to "steal"  haha!  While her method is to steam and puree veggies, I generally use a grater or just cut them up small.  My recipe for Chili relies on neither....the veggies are just in there...In Plain Sight Chili!

In Plain Sight Chili

1-1.5 pounds ground beef

1 medium onion chopped

2 ribs celery, chopped

½ red pepper, chopped

1 carrot diced or shredded

1 zucchini diced

1 sweet potato diced

1 clove garlic minced

½ red jalapeno minced w/out seeds (optional)

¼ cup red wine

2 cans diced tomatoes (plus 1 can chicken stock or water)

1 can kidney beans or black soy beans

1 can v-8 juice

Scant ¼ cup chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1-2 tbsp brown sugar

Salt & pepper to taste

Brown ground beef (depending on your pan, you may need a little oil) with celery, onion, carrot, red pepper and jalapeno if using.  Once it it’s cooked through, add chili powder, cumin and garlic.  Now in a crock pot or large stock pot add beef mixture, sweet potato, v-8, tomatoes, stock or water, red wine, brown sugar.  Cook on low (crockpot) all day or simmer on the stove for several hours.  About 45 minutes before serving, season with salt and pepper, add diced zucchini and can of beans.

Serve with a little sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese.

   

So on your next dreary day, why not cook up a batch of In Plain Sight Chili....Enjoy!!!!!

Cheers~

Marti