Barefoot Smoky Chili

Ingredients

• 1 – 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 – 15 ounce can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 – 15 ounce can white kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 – 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes with juice
• 2 – 8 ounce cans tomato paste
• ½ cup Barefoot Shiraz
• 2 canned Chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce, de-seeded and finely chopped
• 2 canned Chipotle peppers in Adobo sauce, de-seeded and finely chopped
• 16 ounces pre-cooked, smoked sausage, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, de-seeded and diced
• Olive oil
• Cumin, dried Oregano, dried Basil, ground sea salt, ground pepper to taste
• Shredded Cheddar cheese; diced green onions; and sour cream to garnish

Directions

1. In a large skillet, add 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil along with ground beef. Season with Cumin and salt and pepper; and brown. Once cooked, drain fat and olive oil from beef and set aside.
2. In same skillet, with a few drops olive olive; sear the smoked sausage; remove from skillet, and set aside.
3. In same skillet, combine onion, garlic, and bell pepper with 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil and sauté till bell peppers and onions are soft and the onions are translucent then set this mixture aside.
4. In a large slow cooker set to low/medium heat, combine black beans; red and white kidney beans; diced tomatoes; tomato paste; Barefoot Shiraz; and Chipotle pepper.
5. Add to this mixture the ground beef; smoked sausage; and sautéed onion, garlic, and bell pepper.
6. Sprinkle with a bit more Cumin and add a dash of Oregano and Basil along with sea salt and pepper. Stir well until completely blended.
7. Add additional portions of seasoning based on taste preference and add water (a few ounces at a time) if the mixture is too thick.
8. At this stage, it should not be overly thick but also should not be too watery since the simmering will naturally thicken the mixture.
9. Simmer on low/medium heat for 2 to 3 hours; stirring occasionally to check on consistency.
10. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with Cheddar cheese; add a dollop of sour cream; and drizzle with green onion.
11. Touchdown!