Cultivating Sustainability

This is a deliciously, savory chili that combines flavors of red wine, Italian sausage, ground beef, kidney beans and collard greens. Fabulous served with Green Chili Cheddar Cornmeal Muffins. Recipe adapted from Cooking Light’s All American Chili. (* Indicates CSA vegetables.)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 6  ounces  hot turkey or chicken Italian sausage
• 2  large vidalia onions, chopped
• 8  garlic cloves, minced
• 1  pound  all-natural, hormone-free ground sirloin
• 1  jalapeño pepper, chopped (can use frozen – see Tips page, hot peppers)
• 2  tablespoons + 1 tsp  chili powder
• 2  tablespoons  brown sugar
• 1  tablespoon  ground cumin
• 3  tablespoons  tomato paste
• 1  teaspoon  dried oregano
• 1/2  teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2  teaspoon kosher salt
• 2  bay leaves
• 1 1/4  cups  Merlot or other fruity red wine
• 2  (28-ounce) cans whole tomatoes, undrained and coarsely chopped
• 2  (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained
• 4 medium bunches collard greens or kale (about 8-10 cups)*
• 1 tbsp balsamic creme vinegar
• 1/2  cup  (2 ounces) shredded organic sharp cheddar cheese

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausage. Add sausage, onion, and the next 3 ingredients (onion through jalapeño) to pan; cook 8 minutes or until sausage and beef are browned, stirring to crumble.
2. Add chili powder and the next 7 ingredients (chili powder through bay leaves), and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Stir in wine, tomatoes, and kidney beans; bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat, and simmer 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add chopped collard greens or kale, and cooke for an additional 15 minutes, or until greens or kale are tender.
4. Discard the bay leaves. Sprinkle each serving with cheddar cheese, and serve with Chili Cheddar Cornmeal Muffins.