Table of Contents
Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that can be customized with fresh ingredients to create a flavorful meal. Making tomato-based chili from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and enjoy a nutritious, delicious meal. Follow this guide to craft your own hearty chili using fresh produce and spices.
Gather Your Fresh Ingredients
- 1 pound of lean ground beef or turkey
- 4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: fresh jalapeños for heat
Cooking the Chili
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Add the ground meat to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Stir well to coat the meat with the spices.
Next, add the chopped tomatoes and bell pepper. Stir to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the tomatoes to break down into a rich sauce.
Finishing Touches
Once the chili has thickened and the flavors are well combined, stir in the chopped cilantro. For extra heat, add sliced fresh jalapeños during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Serve your tomato-based chili hot, garnished with additional cilantro or a dollop of sour cream if desired. It pairs well with cornbread or rice for a complete hearty meal.