Small-batch chili

Chili is great, as long as you don't have to eat it every day for a week. Here is my standard chili recipe, halved to be a better amount for a household of one.

Small-Batch Chili
Adapted from Betty Crocker Easy Everyday Vegetarian

• 1 can / 1.5 cups cooked beans (see below)
• 1 can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 small (or half of one large) onion, diced
• generous dollop olive oil (or saute the onion)
• 1 cup additional small or diced vegetables (see below)
• 1/2 can green chilis (freeze the other half)
• 1/2 tbsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/4-1/2 tsp salt
• water to desired consistency (start small)
• optional add-ins: marmite (~teaspoon, salt on the lesser side), tomato paste (~tablespoon), unsweetened cocoa powder (tip of a spoon), maple syrup (dash), chipotle powder (what's your pleasure)

Throw it all into a crock pot, except any greens or peas you might be using in the vegetables. Start it on high, and when hot (or when you have to leave for the day), turn it to low. Stir in peas and greens 15-30 minutes before eating; they really only need to get hot. Serve plain or with some selection of cheese, sour cream, crackers, or rolls. Chili with cheese and a roll and a green salad is a really satisfying, uncomplicated meal.

I cook beans from dry so am able to make a 50-50 mix of kidney and pinto beans and freeze them in 1.5-cup quantities. If you are using canned beans you may be able to find a chili bean mix, or start with two cans and freeze half of each for a later batch of chili. If I were using a whole single can of beans I'd opt for kidney.

My typical vegetable options: carrots, celery or chard stems, frozen corn, sliced chard leaves or spinach, frozen peas.

Another idea I have not tried is mixing some red lentils in with extra water, which would create a thick sauce. Might be good for chili mac!

I tend to eat the leftovers just as bowls of chili, but this is great for loaded baked potatoes (Russet or sweet) or chili dogs, as well as the aforementioned chili mac. Chili no longer looks like a word. Enjoy!