Chili

Chop the onion. Brown ground beef in a large pot (at least 4 liters), then add the onions. Drain fat after onions are softened. Add remaining ingredients, stir, and bring to a boil. Simmer for one hour.

Variations: One of the joys of chili is that is seems like no matter what ratios and variations of the basic ingredients are used (within reason!) the end result is always good. Here are a few variations to get started.

• Change the amount of chili powder to make the dish more or less spicy,
• Use whole dried red chiles instead of chili powder,
• Use coarsely ground beef instead of hamburger, and chop the onions coarsely,
• Use more tomato juice for a soupier consistency,
• Use less tomato juice or more beans and beef for a heartier meal,
• Use a different kind of bean,
• Add macaroni or similar pasta the last 10 to 15 minutes of cooking.