It may only be Fall, but parts of last week certainly felt like Winter. We quickly hopped from temperatures near 80 down to highs in the 50s. Needless to say, we’ve been a little confused about what to wear in the mornings. Despite the drop in temperatures, we’ve yet to switch on our heat. That’s what chili is for.
It’s no secret that I see food as so much more than sustenance. Food is something that your entire being is tied to. One of my earliest memories is of the apartment my mom lived in in Mississippi and eating scrambled eggs with yellow mustard. And for the record, I will still eat yellow mustard on scrambled eggs. It’s quite tasty. Food provides comfort, not just from a rumbling stomach, but comfort for life. Having a bad day? Grab some chocolate. Feeling particularly stressed? Where’s that wine… Getting together with family? Let’s plan a delicious dinner.
Food lives in our hearts, it comforts us through good and bad.
When someone’s family suffers through a hard time, we plan meals. It’s what we can do to share the love, share their burden, give them some comfort.
This week, #SundaySupper is all about Comfort Food…things that make you feel warm inside through good and bad. This chili will make you warm inside both literally and metaphorically. My favorite part – You can start it in the morning, let it cook all day, and it’s ready for you when you need it most.
Chunky Chili Beans
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 Large Sweet Onions, Chopped
4 Cloves Garlic, Chopped
1 Can (4 oz) Diced Green Chilies (Mild or Hot, your choice)
2 Tbsp Cajun Seasoning
1 Tsp Cayenne Pepper
1/2 Cup Chili Powder
1 Tsp Salt
2 Lbs Ground Hamburger (93% Lean)
1 Cup Prepared Salsa (Mild)
4 Cans (14 oz each) Diced Tomatoes
2 Cups Water
2 Cans (14-15 oz each) Dark Red Kidney Beans, Drained and Rinsed
1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
1/2 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (Optional)
Sour Cream (Optional)
In a large non-stick pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook just until the onion starts to become clear. Add the garlic, chilies and spices. Stir well to combine. Add the hamburger meat, breaking it up and mixing the onion mixture throughout. Cook, stirring and breaking up occasionally, until the hamburger meat is cooked through. Add the salsa, tomatoes and water. Mix well. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for at least an hour, but as much as all day, stirring occasionally and adding water as necessary.
About an hour before you are ready to eat, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans to the pot. Stir well to combine and allow to simmer for 45-60 minutes. Stir in the chocolate chips about 10 minutes before serving.
Serve steaming hot. Top with sour cream and cheese if desired. Perfect with crackers or tortilla chips.
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For our #SundaySupper chat this week, we’ll be joined by Lee Woodruff, author and CBS This Morning contributor. We look very forward to chatting with her and you about what comforts us! Join us at 7 PM EST by following the #SundaySupper hashtag on Twitter.
Need something else to comfort you? The #SundaySupper team never disappoints! Check out all of these comforting dishes we’ve put together this week…
Comfort Food |Soups
- Cream of Broccoli Cheese Soup by Damn Delicious
- Loaded Baked Potato Soup by Supper for a Steal
- Kalbi Tang or Korean Short Rib Soup by Kimchi MOM
- Korean mandoo (dumpling) soup by Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
- Chicken Noodle Soup by My Catholic Kitchen
- Thai’d up chicken noodle soup by I Run For Wine
- Ditalini Italian Soup by Mangiamo!
- Spicy Black Bean Soup by Mama’s Blissful Bites
- Chicken Chowder by Pippis in the Kitchen Again
Comfort Food | Main Dish
- Sausage Gravy and Biscuits by Big Bears Wife
- Comforting Down-Home Shrimp and Grits by The Weekend Gourmet
- Pumpkin Alfredo Tortellini Bake by The Meltaways
- Old Fashioned Mac and Cheese by Flour on My Face
- Lasagna Roll Ups by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Green Plantain Hash by Basic n Delicious
- Venison Chili by The Messy Baker Blog
- Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Pasta Shells by That Skinny Chick can Bake
- Winter Chicken Stew by Mrs. Mama Hen
- Quinoa, Spinach, and Kale Lasagna by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Baked Oysters and Apples by Pescetarian Journal
- Individual Chicken Pot Pies by Noshing With The Nolands
- Kaesespaetzle {Baked Cheese Spaetzle} by Galactosemia in PDX
- Jalapeno and Bacon Mac N’ Cheese by Dinners, Dishes and Desserts
- Quiche aux Champignons {Mushroom Quiche} by An Appealing Plan
- Mini Mac n Cheese Cups with Pork Shoulder Ragù by Hip Foodie Mom
- Chicken a la King by Girlichef
- Creamy Chicken & Dumplings by La Cocina de Leslie
- Spaghetti Squash Gratins by She likes ruffles, he likes truffles
- Creamy Chicken Enchiladas by Home Cooking Memories
- Savory Slow-Cooked Pork Stew by Daddy Knows Less
- Chicken Roasted with White Wine and Garlic by Webicurean
- Shepherd’s Pie by Small Wallet Big Appetite
- One Skillet Pumpkin Lasagna by The Realistic Nutritionist
- Chicken “Pot Pie” by Diabetic Foodie
- Gluten Free Cornish Pasty by Maroc Mama
- Warm Oven Baked Samosas Stuffed With Sweet Potato & Peas by Sue’s Nutrition Buzz
- Caramelized Onion-Challah Stuffing Muffins by Comfy Cuisine
- Comforting Mashed Potatoes by Momma’s Meals
- Chunky Chili Beans by Mama Mommy Mom
- Rustic Cauliflower and Tomato Gratin by The Wimpy Vegetarian
- Feijoada Portuguese Bean Stew by Family Foodie
Comfort Food | Desserts
- Biscuits and Chocolate Gravy by Juanita’s Cocina
- Chocolate Fudge Brownie Ice Cream by Cravings of a Lunatic
- Sour Cream Pound Cake by Mom’s Test Kitchen
- Chocolate Layer Cake by Magnolia Days
- Cinnamon Rice Pudding by Vintage Kitchen Notes
- Smores Hot Cocoa by Chocolate Moosey
- Sweet Red Bean Pie by What Smells So Good
- Pistachio Cake Cookies by The Cookie A Day Challenge
- Gluten Free Pumpkin Cheesecake by No One Likes Crumbly Cookies
- Dark Chocolate Caramel Brownies by Daily Dish Recipes
- Nutella Shortbread Bars by Baker Street
Pairing Wine with Sunday Supper Comfort Food Favorites! by ENOFYLZ Wine Blog
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A good bowl of chili on a cold day, I love that! There´s such comfort in winter foods. Have a great sunday!
Hmmm…chocolate chips in the chili – very interesting. I bet it adds that extra bit of flavor that no one can tell it is from chocolate.
This is one of my favorite. Who doesnt love a big bowl of chilli to chase the cold away.
I’ve put ketchup on scrambled eggs, but not mustard. I’ll definitely be giving that a try now! Nothing says comfort food more than a steaming bowl of chili this time of year.
There’s nothing better than a big bowl of chili to comfort you on a cold day. This is a perfect recipe, thanks for sharing!
This would be nice and spicy, right up my alley!!
Love the addition of chocolate. It reminds me of a mole sauce. Yum.
Perfection in a bowl. Love this recipe. Chocolate makes everything better.
Jennie took the words out of my mouth – the chocolate is such an unexpected…mole-like addition – neat!!!
I’d be happy to have a bowl of that chili with a big dollop of guacamole on top…YUM!
Yum! I love chili!
This looks great! Thanks for sharing. I will have to make it soon.
I’m such a fan of a hearty chili! And, for the record, I do not think it’s strange that you like your eggs with yellow mustard. I put ketchup on my eggs soooo…
Yum! Love this! Chili is the ultimate comfort food!
Yours looks great and so delicious!
I was hoping Autumn would last a little longer this year but sadly the weather has turned more Winter like very quickly. But a bowl of this would warm me up very quickly.
Yumm! Great chili recipe!
Pure comfort food!!! I love that you’ve added some chocolate chips…I have always wanted to throw in some cocoa powder, but always forget :/ Love your recipe!
Gotta love a big bowl of chili!
Gotta love a big bowl of chili!
How perfect for Comfort Food #SundaySupper post! My husband will love this!
I love a good bowl of chili and all the fixins’. This sounds awesome and the chocolate is an awesome addition….gotta try this!
Would you believe I’ve never had chili beans! This looks like a must make
Amber you’re weird. Eating yellow mustard with Scrambeled eggs. Just kidding. I eat my eggs with ketchup and my fiance thinks it’s the weirdest thing. Chili indeed is a compforting dish. Looks fantastic lady!
Love beans & this looks spicy indeed ! Nice !
This looks so yummy! Chocolate chips in the chili, eh? Definitely curious now.