Cholula 3-Bean Chili Recipe

Makes 6 to 8 servings

* 1½ pounds lean ground beef or ground uncooked chicken or turkey (see note)
* 1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes, undrained
* 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
* ½ square (ounce) unsweetened chocolate
* 1 cup bottled Cholula Hot Sauce
* ½ cup chopped peeled onion
* 1/3 cup chopped green pepper
* 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
* 2½ teaspoons chili powder or to taste
* 2 teaspoons minced peeled garlic or to taste
* 1½ to 3 teaspoons finely snipped fresh or ½ to 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1½ to 3 teaspoons finely snipped fresh or ½ to 1 teaspoon dried cilantro
* 1 teaspoon sugar or to taste (optional)
* ½ to 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
* 4 to 5 drops hot pepper sauce or to taste (see note)
* 1 (15 to 16-ounce) can each dark or light red kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans, drained
* Sour cream or reduced-fat sour cream or unflavored yogurt for garnish (optional)
* Chopped green onion (include some green tops) for garnish
* Shredded Mexican-style 4-cheese blend (Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Queso Quesadilla, and Asadero cheeses) or sharp Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for garnish
* Chopped green chile peppers for garnish
* Crisp taco shells (optional)

In a medium heavy skillet, brown meat over moderate heat; drain off excess fat. Combine and next 16 ingredients together in a 4-quart heavy saucepan or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over moderate heat; reduce temperature and simmer, uncovered, over low heat for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, or until spices and sauce are thoroughly blended, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to burn chili. Add beans and cook an additional 5 to 10 minutes or until beans are heated through. Serve in bowls and garnish each portion as desired. Or, spoon chili into taco shells and top with garnishes as desired.

Note: May use meat loaf mixture (combination of ground beef, ground veal, and ground pork), if desired.

Note: 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or canned green chile peppers or to taste may be added to the chili in place of the hot sauce, if desired.