A longtime family favourite
One of our family's favourite meals has always been my Mom's Chile Con Carne. We have never been fond of hot and spicy foods, but feel free to amp up the chili powder if your family is. We also tend to use salt sparingly, but again, feel free to add more if you like.
Sidenote: I have minimized not only the use of chili powder but also the pepper since those seem to aggravate my dad and cause additional coughing and choking.
Winona's Chili Con Carne
This has been my Dad's absolute favourite meal as long as I can remember. It is especially good topped with crushed tortilla chips and grated cheddar cheese and served with a green salad.
Brown:
1 lb ground beef (or you could use ground turkey)
Add:
1 finely chopped onion
2-3 stalks finely chopped celery
1-2 grated carrots
1-2 cloves minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste (optional)
Cook until vegetables have softened.
Add:
1 can diced tomatoes
1 can beans in tomato sauce
1 can kidney beans
1 can chickpeas (optional - I often leave these out but you could substitute any other beans such as black beans)
1/2 can condensed tomato soup or tomato sauce (this is not original to the recipe and I would prefer to leave it out; however, it contributes to a nice, soupy consistency great for the patient)
1 pkg/jar strained sweet potatoes for infants (optional but a great way to increase the veggies!)
1/4 cup ketchup
2 tbsp brown sugar
1/2 tsp dried mustard
2 tsp - 2 tbsp chili powder (increase amount to taste)
Cook over medium-high heat until the tomato juice is reduced and the carrot is not terribly discernible from the rest of the chili. Alternatively, you can put everything into the slow cooker and simmer for 8 hours.
Serving suggestions
Top with crushed tortilla chips, grated cheddar cheese and avocado and serve alongside fresh rolls and a green salad, especially with ranch dressing.
Verdict
I made this a few weeks ago using the condensed tomato soup. Mom and Dad had company for supper and they raved about it and cleaned up every last bite. Personally, I found the flavour quite different than normal, but still good.
Update
Today I made this recipe with tomato sauce instead of condensed tomato soup and the flavour was much more like what we are used to. Totally yummy! I used just 2 tsp of chili powder, and Dad did not find it too spicy. He was also able to eat it without needing to have it ground up, which was so good.
As I mentioned, without the tomato soup/sauce, this recipe is one of our all time faves. I don't think I've ever met anyone who didn't think this was absolutely delicious. I hope your family enjoys this recipe as much as we do!
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