Five Way Chili

This is one of those staple meals we always had growing up... I have to say, it is definitely a favorite. Especially for my brother- in his high school English class, he had to write several poems, and I was so flattered when he chose me as one of the subjects... until I realized the next poem was about this meal. I see where I rate! ;)

The plate is ready

Dry in the cupboard

Not knowing what awaits it

First come the noodles

Boiled to perfection

Slide out of the bowl

Next is the meat

You can smell it for miles

Its spices so distinct, it's flavor so unique

Then comes the beans

Warmed on the stove

Without them it wouldn't be right

They fill a void

Almost done now

Just three more things

Cheese, Ketchup and Saltines

All ingredients important as the next

They come together in harmony

Live together perfectly and taste great

Five way chili

A taste I know well

A smell I will never forget

INGREDIENTS:

2 large onions, diced

1 1/2- 2 lbs ground beef

1 garlic clove, minced

1-2 TBL chili powder

1 tsp ground allspice

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp ground red pepper

1 15 oz. can tomato sauce

1 TBL worcestershire

1 TBL vinegar

1 16 oz. package of spaghetti

1 15 oz. can of red kidney beans, drained

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Saltine Crackers

Ketchup or Hot Sauce (Optional!)

DIRECTIONS:

In a skillet, cook ground beef, garlic and 1 of the onions. Cook until all juices evaporate and onion is tender. Stir in chili powder, allspice, cinnamon, cumin, ground red pepper and some salt. Cook for one minute and then add the tomato sauce, worcestershire, and vinegar with 1/2 cup of water. Heat to a boiling and then reduce to simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

About 20 minutes before eating, prepare spaghetti and heat the can of kidney beans (either microwave or on the stove top). Set out cheese, diced onion, and crackers. 

When you are ready to eat, each person can build their own plate and choose what toppings they like/don't like. Our family has always done: noodles, meat sauce, kidney beans, cheese, onions and broken up saltine crackers. My mom loves spicy food, and when we were little, we couldn't handle it- so we added ketchup to ours to dilute some of the spice. Justin still adds ketchup, but now I'm a spice lover too, so I normally add tabasco or some other type of hot sauce. A good side is applesauce! And there you have it- a family tradition, from our home to yours!