Everyone needs a quick and nutritious meal that is 30 minutes to prepare, from start to finish. I have made this for last-minute tailgating, weeknight suppers and parties. If you like spicy chili with more "heat", just increase the amount of chili powder and add a diced jalapeño. Christian, this is for you!

INGREDIENTS

1 lb [450g] ground beef or ground turkey
1 small onion, diced
1 small bell pepper, cored and diced
1 15.5 oz [439g] can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15.5 oz [439g] can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
30 oz. [840g] tomato sauce
4 t [20mL] chili powder
1 t [5mL] salt
1 t [5mL] ground pepper
Toppings: cheddar cheese and diced jalapeño (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Over medium heat, brown ground beef or turkey with onion and pepper in large dutch oven.
When browned, add tomato sauce and chili powder, mix well - reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Add rinsed and drained black and white beans - continue to simmer for 15 minutes.
Season to taste with salt and pepper
Serve with toppings of your choice (onions, jalapeño, cheese or crackers)

If my children text me saying they're feeling a bit under the weather, I usually ask, "Are you craving homemade chicken soup?" If they say they can drag themselves into the kitchen, I tell them to put together this easy soup. This is definitely chicken soup, but I call it comfort with a kick - the pinch of red pepper is just enough to help kick the common cold! My best advice: slurp two bowls and call me in the morning! For quicker comfort (and less chopping), purchase a precut onion, celery and carrot mix like Mirepoix from TraderJoe's and a Rotisserie Chicken.

INGREDIENTS

2 T butter or olive oil [30g or 30mL]
1/2 cup each: diced onion, celery and carrots [75g]
salt and pepper, to taste - about 1 T each [20g]
pinch of red pepper flakes
2T minced garlic (optional) [30g]
8 cups chicken broth [2L]
2 cups water [475mL]
4 cups diced cooked chicken [900g]
1/2 cup Italian parsley, chopped (optional) [75g]
1 cup long grained rice or wild rice/barley mix [190g]

DIRECTIONS

Heat oil or butter in large stockpot, then add onion, celery and carrots. Cook until vegetables are softened, adding 1/2 cup [120mL] chicken broth and bringing to boil.
Add garlic (if desired) salt, pepper and pinch of red pepper flakes.
Add remaining chicken broth and water, return to boil.
Lower heat to simmer and add diced cooked chicken and parsley, if using. Cook 15 - 20 minutes and then add rice.
Cook an additional 15 minutes on medium heat, or until rice is soft.

Makes 8 - 10 (1 cup) [240mL] servings

Comfort Food: Black & White Chili

Comfort Food: Chicken and Rice Soup