Simple Skinny Chili

Chili is a simple dish, that can be made in the crock pot or set to simmer on the stove. It is a comfort food for most - hearty, nourishing, and warms you up.

Make double batches and freeze the left overs in single serve containers for lunches.

In a large pot on the stove brown 1 package of ground beef. While that is browning, chop one large onion and add it to the beef. Season this with salt and pepper.

Now begin to pound about 1 and 1/2 tablespoons of cumin seeds in a mortar and pestle. When the cumin seeds are ground and fragrant add them to the browning beef.

Once the beef is almost finished browning, sprinkle 1/4 cup of chili powder over the mixture and stir the mixture to incorporate the spices into the meat.

Add 2 cups of chopped tomatoes, and 2 cups of crushed tomatoes. Stir well, reduce the heat to low.

Add 4 cups of precooked kidney beans or a mixture of precooked beans of your choice. Stir well.

At this point you can add some heat by adding chopped hot peppers. This is always optional.

Place the lid on and simmer this for several hours.

It will be ready after 2 but 4 hours allows the flavours to mingle well.

Stir it occasionally ensuring to reach the bottom of the pot to prevent sticking and burning.

Change this recipe up to your tastes. Try adding a 1 cup of frozen or fresh kernels of corn to the chili or 1 cup of finely grated carrots.

Serve with grated cheese, fresh guacamole, plain yogurt and a sprinkle of spring onion on top.