I need a Tasty recipe for Red & Black Bean Chili

[trueblue2007]

It's soooooooooo cold. I'm making beef stew today and want to make a good chili on Thursday. I got a can of black beans and thought it would be good to add to the chili.

Anyone have a good Red & Black Bean Chili recipe?? Please!!! Thanks Loungers.






edit - typo

[Bragi]

1. Some suggestions

I just made some chili on the weekend.

Some suggestions about making chili based on a stew:

- First add a can or two of tomato sauce to the stew;

- Add large pieces of onion, as well as green and red pepper squares and sliced mushrooms. Pan sear them before putting them in the chili. Drain the dark (and sour) liquid off the mushrooms.

- Add your chili spices gradually and let them cook in for a while and then taste so as to be sure you aren't overspicing beyond your preferences.

- Secret ingredients: Add a bit of sugar or a teaspoon of molassas (to counter the tartness of the tomato sauce) and even a couple of teaspoons of instant coffee (this adds richness to the flavour) Again, add quantities gradually and taste as you add.

- If you want to thicken the chili, use flour. Mix it in water first so it is smooth and not lumpy. You can also add a bit of cream to the chili if it is to dark for your liking.

- Be careful not to overstir. If you overstir, the beans will break down into a paste. This doesn't hurt the flavour, but if you like seeing beans in the chili, then don't overstir.

- b

[trueblue2007]

2. I've made a great chili years but haven't added black beans to the mixture

Thanks for your suggestions. I guess I'll just do the hit and miss method.

[applegrove]

3. It should be topped with cheddar cheese. That's all I know.

[yellowdogintexas]

4. I always make my chili with black beans, rather than red or pinto. Just like them

However here are MY chili making tips.

is this a meat chili or vegetarian?

if meat, brown the meat up.
add a big purple onion, diced
press about 6 cloves of garlic into the browning meat and onions.

NOW whatever combo of chile powder, cumin, cayenne etc you like can be added to the meat; add some water and just keep letting it cook down, add water, cook down so the spices really absorb into the meat.

NOW mince up some fresh jalapeno, serrano and poblano chiles, (adjusting for your heat sensibilities). and add to the meat.

Add a couple cans of diced tomatoes, and a can of water

Simmer all this for a while;

Rinse and drain the black beans (I use 3 cans beans to 1 pound meat)

add to chile, and cook a bit more.

finally, finely chop a bunch of cilantro and add to the mix.

then serve.

With cheese on top if that is what you like.