Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 1 hour 30 minutes Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds ground elk meat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, lime wedges
Instructions:
- Browning the Elk Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground elk meat and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the elk meat from the pot and set aside.
- Sautéing the Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeno peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Add diced red bell pepper to the pot and continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Building the Chili Base:
- Return the cooked elk meat to the pot. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, drained kidney beans, drained black beans, beef broth, and tomato paste.
- Season the chili with chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmering the Chili:
- Bring the chili to a simmer over medium-low heat. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer gently for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary. For extra heat, you can add more chopped jalapenos or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Serving the Spicy Elk Chili:
- Once the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded together, it is ready to serve.
- Ladle the spicy elk chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
- Serve hot and enjoy this hearty and satisfying dish with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips on the side.
With its bold flavors and spicy kick, this elk chili with jalapenos is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner at home or at a gathering with friends and family, this flavorful chili will be a hit every time. Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences and savor the deliciousness of this comforting classic with a wild twist.