Hard Times Chili

Author: Killis Haraway

Ingredients:

2 lb ground sirloin or other high quality ground beef
1 medium white onion finely chopped or diced
1 tsp minced garlic
1 1/4 C water
1 15 oz can tomato sauce
1 15 oz can of diced tomatoes or Rotel tomatoes (to kick it up)
1 Tbs worstershire sauce
1 Tbs white vinegar
1 2oz package Hard Times Chili mix
1 16 oz package spaghetti noodles
1/2 tsp salt
2 C shredded sharp cheddar cheese (use more if necessary)

Method:

Prepare all ingredients for cooking. In a large iron skillet or Dutch oven brown the ground beef until cooked. Drain. Add the onion and garlic and incorporate into the meat. Stir in all other ingredients except the spaghetti and the cheese and half of the chopped onions. Continue over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook covered for about an hour. The finished product should be a thick soupy consistency. Add more water (1/4 C) as necessary if the chili looks too dry. Add salt and pepper to taste or extra chili powder or cumin. If you like it extra spicy then add 1tsp cayenne pepper or a dash of Tabasco sauce.

In a stock pot bring water to a boil and cook spaghetti noodles as directed on the package. Make sure not to over cook them. I find that 7-8 minutes is about right but it varies depending on your elevation.

Once the noodles are done spoon out the noodles on a plate and add a liberal amount of cheddar cheese on the spaghetti. Top with the chili and shredded onions.

Note: This recipe is different and may seem strange but it is really delicious. In addition, you may cook your chili with beans but I found the beans with the spaghetti to be very filling and rich so I usually make this dish without any beans added. Use Rotel tomatoes if you like it a little more spicy.

This recipe is a modification from that listed on the box. Please be sure to check out the Hard Times Cafe` website for more information regarding this excellent chili mix.

NOTE: This recipe is NOT the official Hard Times Chili and should not be referrenced as such.