The following “Chew This!” column originally appeared in “The Courier-Times” and / or “The Shelbyville News”. Check their websites for further information and dates.

A Delicious Chili recipe from a Friend of a Friend

Blaise Doubman

There are hundreds and hundreds of recipes for chili online. Everyone has their own unworn spin on it, be that adding chocolate, banana peppers, a scoop of Velveeta or cooking the beef and sausage in beer. Everyone has their own unique perspectives on what goes into chili and what does not. Some people think cinnamon should go in chili while others will say no way and add pasta noodles to theirs. It is really all about preference. Some people like a mild chili while others like a chili that will blow their heads off. I like mine somewhere in the middle of the two with lots of flavor and just the right combination of spices.

I like using black beans in this recipe because I think it adds to the overall flavors of the chili. The wonderful thing about this chili is that the longer it sits chilled in the refrigerator, the better and better it gets! I serve this alongside corn chips, shredded cheese, sour cream and a peanut butter sandwich. Yes, a peanut butter sandwich. Bread not toasted, no jelly or jams andabsolutely nothing added to the sandwich inside or out. This recipe can easily feed a crowd by being double or tripled. If you try this, write to me and let me know what you think! This recipe was given to me by a friend who got it from a friend. It’s the best I have had.

Keep leftovers covered and chilled. This gets better the longer it sits.

Friend of a Friend Chili

1 pound hamburger

1 pound sausage

1 large can tomato juice

3 cans black beans

2 cans tomato sauce

2 cans petite diced tomatoes 

1 can tomato paste

2 packets of Chili-O seasoning

1 purple onion, diced 

2 red bell peppers, diced

16 oz. pasta noodles

Water, for desired thickness 

Crushed red pepper flakes

Cayenne pepper 

Black pepper

Salt

Start by browning the ground beef and sausage over medium high heat in a large pot. Add in the prepared onion and bell peppers. Stir and cook these for 5 minutes. Once cooked, drain and then return meat mixture to the pot.

Add in the tomato juice, black beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato paste and Chili-O seasoning. Stir and continue to cook for several minutes. Add in desired amount of crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, black pepper and salt.

Turn the heat to low and allow to simmer for several hours, while adding more tomato juice and water to maintain the consistency you like.

Add in the pasta noodles and continue to cook and simmer until pasta is cooked to desired preference.

Ask and Answer: Survey! Do you eat a peanut butter sandwich with your chili? How do you serve your chili? Write to me!