Cold Weather Chili

Ingredients:
1 pound ground turkey ( I used ground beef
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 yellow or red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cloves of garlic, finely minced or pressed through a garlic press
2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 (16-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon brown sugar

Directions:
In a large pot, brown the turkey or ground beef with the onion and garlic over medium heat, until cooked  breaking up the ground turkey into pieces as it cooks. Drain off  grease. Add the chopped bell pepper and cook 1-2 minutes. Add the rinsed and drained beans. Stir. Add the remaining ingredients and spices. Stir well. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or more, stirring occasionally and making sure the chili isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Serve with sour cream, shredded cheese and tortilla chips, if desired.

Adapted from Mel's Kitchen Cafehttp://www.melskitchencafe.com/