TREEBEARDS' CHILI With BEANS

By LRay

We serve our chili topped with grated Cheddar cheese and chopped green
onions for an unbeatable combination. For an even easier chili, pick up a
Treebeards' Chili Seasoning packet at any of our locations and add meat
and beans. If you prefer, kidney beans may be substituted for pinto beans.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground chili meat
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 6 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups cooked pinto beans

Preparation

Step 1

In a 5-quart Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chili meat with onion
until meat is browned and onion is tender. Add tomato paste and spices
and stir.
Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 15 minutes. Add pinto beans, cover
and simmer 30 minutes. If chili becomes too dry, add a little water or juice
from pinto beans to reach desired consistency. Adjust seasonings, if
necessary.
Garnish with grated Cheddar cheese and chopped green onions, if desired.
Serves 6.

A little trivia:
Chili is a stew-like soup made with meat, chilies, or chili powder and
according to where you live, it can also include beans. While there are
many legends and stories about where chili originated, it is certain that
chili did not originate in Mexico. It is only found is areas that cater to
tourists.
Chili lovers are a passionate group. The first chili cook-off known to
modem man took place in 1967 in Terlingua, Texas. Since then, chili
societies and clubs have formed and competitions involving thousands of
participants are held all over the world. Chili cook-offs are still held each
year in Terlingua, the town that chili made famous.