This chili recipe only costs $10. Adding sour cream, jalapeño peppers and cheese gives this dish a creamy kick. Photo by Isabell Moon

- Isabell Moon, Contributor
isabellm@uab.edu

This chili recipe is quick, easy and extremely affordable. You can buy all the ingredients for about $10. All you’ll need is a large pot with a lid and a cooking spoon. This chili is fairly low maintenance and is great for a beginner meal that isn’t pre-packaged (sorry, mac and cheese).

Total time: 45 min
Makes 4 - 5 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 fresh jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
• ½ large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon butter (or oil for vegan recipe)
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can black beans
• 1 can pinto beans
• 1 can sweet yellow corn
• 1 can diced tomatoes + ½ can water
• 2 tablespoon chili powder
• salt & pepper to taste
• herbs and spices (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large pot over medium heat, sauté garlic, onions and jalapeño in butter or oil.
2. Once the onions start to become translucent, add all beans and corn. Stir and heat for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, water and spices. Simmer 20-25 minutes on medium-low heat with lid on, stirring occasionally until thickened.
4. Serve hot with grated cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips or other toppings.

The jalapeño pepper is optional if you don’t like spicy foods. Alternatively, you can add a habanero to make your chili extra hot. If you’re living the dorm life and don’t have many spices, you can use a few spoonfuls of barbecue sauce. For spices, try using cumin, paprika and turmeric. If you like fresh tomatoes, you can swap the canned diced tomatoes for three to 4 tomatoes and 6 ounces can of tomato paste. To make vegan chili, just swap out butter for olive or vegetable oil.

To make this completely non-vegan, brown one pound of the ground meat of your choice, drain, then set aside in a bowl before sautéing the garlic and onions. Add back to the pot when adding the beans and corn.

For a more complete meal, serve over rice and add some greens, such as spinach.