Cajun Chili (Roux Based) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 lbs quality ground beef
4 tablespoons vegetable oil, can substitute bacon drippings
2 tablespoons flour, heaping
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons cumin powder
1 -2 tablespoon sugar, to taste
salt
cayenne pepper
water
16 ounces red kidney beans (optional)
sliced green onion (optional)
grated cheddar cheese (optional)

Preparation

Make brown roux (careful not to burn) with oil and flour, stirring constantly.
Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Saute about 3 minutes.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up chunks.
Add tomato paste, chili powder, cumin powder, sugar, salt and cayenne pepper topping with about 1 - 2 cup water, depending on desired consistancy.
Stir to combine and simmer half covered for 20 - 25 minutes, stirring occasionally and checking the level of liquid.
If adding the optional can red kidney beans, add this 5 to 10 minutes prior to the end of cook time.
Top individual servings with cheddar cheese and sprinkle with sliced green onions.