3 Bean Chili

I am a huge fan of having food in the fridge that can be ready to eat in a matter of minutes. I especially like said food when it is healthy, packed with nutrients, and doesn’t suck half my day preparing it. This is dish that can be ready to eat in 20 minutes and can be prepared mostly from goods in your pantry. Consequently, it is also a big group pleaser, where you can add tasty side dishes/breads or whatever strikes you given the moment or the season.

This version can be as mild or as spicy as you like it. This recipe is more on the mild side, but if you want to give it some kick, add chili powder, making sure to remember that a little goes a long way. When adding chili powder, I start with a sprinkle and work my way up, tasting as I go. A good tip to remember is that while you may enjoy spice, your guests may not.
3 Bean Chili:

1 lb. ground beef
2 Tbs. olive oil
2 medium onions
3 stalks celery
3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 can green chilies (either diced, or buy them canned whole and dice them yourself—I prefer the latter).
2-3 smaller cans diced tomatoes, or 1 large
1 can tomato paste
1 can great northern (white) beans, drained and rinsed
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 can corn, undrained
1-2 Tbs. cumin
Salt and pepper to taste.
Chili powder (optional)

Directions:
1. In a very large pot (cast iron is my fav, or Le Creuset) Saute onions and celery in olive oil until softened. Removed from pan and set aside.
2. In the pan you just used to sauté the onions, without washing the pan, add the meat (seasoned with salt and pepper, about 2 tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper) and brown—this will allow the flavors of the onions to be incorporated into the meat.
3. Add the onions, celery, and garlic, and chilis to the meat and cook on medium-low for 3-4 minutes to cook garlic, stirring a few times to combine. Note: you can drain the meat first, but if you buy lean meat, you don’t necessarily have to.
4. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil for one minute. Removed from heat and serve immediately, or the same day.

Serve with cheddar cheese, sour cream, corn bread, or by itself!