Cajun Chili (roux Based)

Total Time: 40 mins Preparation Time: 15 mins Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 6
• 2 lbs quality ground beef
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil, can substitute bacon drippings
• 2 tablespoons flour, heaping
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons cumin powder
• 1 -2 tablespoon sugar, to taste
• salt
• cayenne pepper
• water
• 16 ounces red kidney beans (optional)
• sliced green onion (optional)
• grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Recipe

• 1 make brown roux (careful not to burn) with oil and flour, stirring constantly.
• 2 add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. saute about 3 minutes.
• 3 add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up chunks.
• 4 add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin powder, sugar, salt and cayenne pepper topping with about 1 - 2 cup water, depending on desired consistancy.
• 5 stir to combine and simmer half covered for 20 - 25 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking the level of liquid.
• 6 if adding the optional can red kidney beans, add this 5 to 10 minutes prior to the end of cook time.
• 7 top individual servings with cheddar cheese and sprinkle with sliced green onions.