Kitchen Sink Chili

Originally from the kitchen of my mom, adapted by yours truly

I've made this recipe a dozen times by now, and it turns out a little differently each time depending on what ingredients I have on hand (or forgot to purchase beforehand).

1-2 cans tomato sauce
1 large can roasted tomatoes (usually come chopped)
1 small bell pepper, chopped
2-3 stalks of celery, chopped
1 yellow or white onion, chopped
1/2-1 lb. ground turkey or beef
salt and pepper
1/2-1 T chili flakes
2-3 T chili powder
1 can kidney beans
olive oil

Saute onions, celery, and bell pepper until softened in large sauce pan. Add ground meat and cook until browned (does not need to be cooked through). Add remaining ingredients and bring to simmer on low heat for 1 hour. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Optional: Omit ground meat to create a vegetarian version. Equally good, less hearty. Serve with corn bread or my new favorite, grilled polenta.

Enjoy.

Calories: Approximately 200 per cup.