BLACK BEAN CHILIfeatured

There is something magical about soup. It’s the only thing I want when I’m sick or when the weather dips slightly below 70 degrees here in California. Give me a rainy day, a Lifetime movie and a warm bowl of soup and I am in my happy place. Bonus points if it’s a Christmas Lifetime movie.

Growing up I was an ace at convincing my Mom I was near death and needed to stay home from school largely because I wanted to lay on the couch, watch movies and eat soup. Especially in the winter when it was 0 degrees outside. I probably have an entire year of school I need to redo from all of my fake sick days, but whatever, I turned out okay.

My Mom wound up in the hospital this week and I think it’s my turn this weekend to make some soup, lay on the couch and watch cheesy movies with her.

This chili recipe is my old trusty, ace in the hole. I could make it in my sleep I do it so often. Like all soups it gets better the next day after the flavors have time to really come together. I make a big batch and freeze half to use later. And by later I mean the first Saturday where it’s below 70 and TBS is running a Grease/Grease 2 marathon. Obviously.

Recipe: Black Bean Chili  |  Soundtrack: Meiko

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 large onion
• 1 tsp salt
• 3 cans black beans
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 cup medium chunky salsa
• 1 8oz can tomato sauce
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp sugar
• 2 bay leaves

Directions:
In a large pot cook the ground beef over medium heat, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks. As the meat is cooking, dice the onion and add to the pot. Add the salt. Cook until the meat is broken up and browned.

Add one full can of the black beans to the pot. Open the second can of beans, drain out the liquid and add the beans to the pot. With the third can, open the beans, dump them in a strainer to get all the liquid off and using a potato smasher, mash the beans. Add the mashed beans to the pot.

Add the remaining ingredients. Stir to combine. Taste the chili to make sure it has the right amount of seasoning for you. If you like it spicier, add more chili powder.

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