Savory Chili - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1/4 c. olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 large onion, chopped
3 green onions, chopped
4 ribs celery with leaves, chopped
1 Tbsp. chopped parsley
2 lb. ground chuck
1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
1 (15 oz.) can tomato sauce
5 to 6 c. water
1 to 1 1/2 oz. can chili powder
1 1/4 tsp. salt
dash of pepper
1 Tbsp. cayenne pepper
1 c. cooked red beans (optional)

Preparation

Heat olive oil in 5-quart Dutch oven.
Add garlic, onion, celery and parsley; saute until tender.
Add ground beef and brown, stirring occasionally.
Drain off drippings; reserve 3 tablespoons.
Add reserved drippings to meat mixture.
Stir in tomato paste, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper.
Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
If desired, add red beans during last 15 minutes.
Let stand overnight and serve with cheese, onion or lettuce condiments.
Makes 8 to 10 servings.