Choose Your Own Adventure Chili

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground beef

• garlic cloves, minced (2 is a starting point, but add as you wish)

• 1/2 onion, diced

• 1 - 28oz can tomato sauce

• 1/4 cup tomato paste

• 2 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (more for more heat)

• Onion & garlic powder to taste (start with a dash and adjust at end)

• 1/4 cup masa harina (we usually keep in pantry)

• 1 - 15oz can kidney beans, drained & rinsed

• 1 - 15oz can pinto beans, drained & rinsed

• Splash of red wine vinegar or other acid (we usually keep in pantry)

Toppings for serving (as you wish): shredded cheddar cheese, diced onions, lime wedges, avocado, tortilla chips, hot sauce...

Instructions

1. On medium high heat, warm large pot. Add meat and cook for a few minutes. Way before all the pink is gone, add onion and garlic.

2. Once meat is no longer pink and onions are soft, drain fat. Add tomato sauce. Then, without rinsing tomato sauce can, fill at least halfway with water. Add tomato-y sauce water from can to pot. Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne, garlic powder (if using), and onion powder (if using).

3. Bring to a simmer and cover for one hour, stirring occasionally. If it gets dry, add some water.

4. When the hour is up, add the masa harina and 1/2 cup water to a small bowl and mix. Add masa mixture to chili pot. Add splash of red wine vinegar. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasonings.

5. Add beans to pot and let simmer for 10 minutes.

6. Top with your favorite toppings, tuck in, and enjoy.