Louisiana Cajun Chili

It's a winter wonderland in New Orleans right now as I write this. We've never had this much SNOW! Yes, snow! What better time to share a few comfort food recipes that will warm your heart and take away the chill. First up is a hearty Louisiana Cajun Chili. It's easy to make and really satisfying. I like to eat mine with cornbread. I hope you try it!

Ingredients:

·   1 lb.  lean ground beef. Can also use other types of ground meat, ranging from chicken and turkey, to pork or lamb.

·   * 1 tsp olive oil

·   ½  medium onion, diced

·  4 cloves (4 cloves) garlic, minced or crushed

·   15 oz tomato sauce

·   15 oz crushed tomatoes

·   15 oz canned pinto beans, drained and rinsed

·   3 tbsps The Cook Shop Cajun Seasoning Blend or to taste

·   2 tbsps chili powder

·   2 tsps ground cumin

·   ½  tsp dried oregano

·   1 ½ tsp  Kosher salt

·   1 ½ fresh cracked black pepper

Toppings:

·   grated cheese

·   sour cream

·   diced red onions

·   sliced green onions

Directions:

1.    Season the ground meat with 2 tbsps The Cook Shop Cajun Seasoning Blend, 1tsp salt, and ½ tsp ground pepper.

2.    Heat a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and after the oil is heated, stir in the ground meat. 

3.    Sauté the meat until browned, about 4 minutes, breaking it up into pieces as you go. It should look like the ground meat in a meat sauce. 

4.    Stir in the onion and garlic. Cook until onions are softened, about 3 minutes. 

5.    Mix in the tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, beans, The Cook Shop Cajun Seasoning Blend, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer, then bring heat to a low simmer.

6.    Simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasoning and add more of The Cajun Cook Shop Seasoning Blend, salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed.

7.    Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

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