Jasna's chili

I don't know if my chili is reminiscent of any particular region; if it is, it's coincidental. As with most of my recipes, feel free to add other vegetables, beans, or spices. This chili is tomato-based and has a balance of vegetables, legumes, and optionally meat. There is no dairy and can be vegan. Beer or coffee add depth along with a medley of spices.

Ingredients

Serves 6-8, great reheated

• 1 large onion, roughly chopped
• 1/2 -- 1 bulb garlic, roughly chopped
• 1 bell pepper, roughly chopped
• 1/4th cup frozen corn
• 1/4th cup frozen peas
• 1-1 1/2 cups carrots, roughly chopped
• 1 can 12oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 12oz black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can 32oz whole peeled tomatoes
• Seasoning
  • At least 1 tsp garlic powder
  • At least 1 tsp onion powder
  • At least 1 tsp oregano
  • At least 1 tsp marjoram
  • At least 1 tbs smoked paprika
  • At least 1 tbs cumin
  • A shake of liquid smoke
  • 2 bay leaves
  • Optional: 1 tbs MSG
• For a bit of sweetness, one of the following:
  • 1 tbs honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tbs brown sugar
• 1 12-16 oz can of beer
  • Stout is usually recommended, but I typically use whatever beer I like and have on hand
  • Or substitute for coffee if non-alcoholic
• For meat eaters: 1 pound of meat, ground or whole diced into bite-size pieces
• For spice lovers, to your desired spice level, a combination of the following:
  • Jalapeño, Anaheim, Serrano, other hot peppers; minced
  • A few teaspoons of sambal
  • Berebere seasoning
• Cooking oil
• Salt

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbs oil in a large pot at medium heat.
2. Add chopped onions, stirring and frying until translucent about 3 minutes. Continue frying for 10-15 minutes if you want sweeter.
3. Add chopped garlic, stirring and frying until lightly brown, about 1 minute.
4. Add dry powder seasonings and berebere seasoning if using, stirring and frying until fragrant, about 45 seconds.
5. Add more oil if needed.
6. If using meat, add now, stirring and frying until at least 80% cooked.
7. Add 2 pinches of salt.
8. Pour in beer or coffee.
9. Pour in peeled tomatoes and juices.
10. Pour in rinsed kidney beans and black beans.
11. Add hot peppers if using.
12. Raise heat to high. Allow to boil, then bring back to low heat.
13. Add bay leaves, MSG if using, and liquid smoke.
14. Add sambal if using.
15. Allow to simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
16. Add carrots, corn, peas, and bell pepper.
17. Taste. Add sweeteners, more salt, and more spice if needed.
18. Optional: for some thickness, pulse sections with an immersion blender.
19. Optional: remove bay leaves, or else have your consumers deal with them.
20. Allow to simmer for up to a day. Otherwise can be served.
    1. Considering serving with shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, rice, bread, or a combination.