Apple Chili

Here's a new Applemania! recipe that was a big hit at my house.  With chilly autumn evenings and apples everywhere, it's a great meal to make in the crock pot and simmer all afternoon.

Use organic beans, spices and produce plus free range meat.

Apple Chili

The apples give it a bit of a fresh, sweet taste without adding sugar.

1# ground beef

In a large cast iron skillet brown meat

Remove meat; in the same pan, saute the following;

1 med candy onion - chopped

1 green pepper - diced

2 med apples - chopped

Return meat to pan and add the following;

1 can black beans

1 can light red kidney beans

1 can dark kidney beans

1 can chili beans

Any combination of beans will work but these made a colorful stew.

2 cans crushed tomatoes or 2 quarts home canned

Simmer slowly on stove top or in crock pot for a of min. 2-3 hours.

Season with chili powder, cumin, red pepper flakes, sea salt and pepper to taste.

For a sweeter twist, add a few chocolate chips or a chocolate kiss to your bowl.  You can't really taste the chocolate but it gives it a good flavor.

I've posted this recipe on the REAL FOOD WEDNESDAY blog carnival.  Check out all the wonderful recipes and information available there.