Easy Deer Chili

Y’all please don’t laugh at me, but I never even tried chili until after I was married.  I had no idea what the weird red soup was all about.  Truthfully, it scared me. Now, I love it and I have to share my totally random, combined recipe I use.  Oh, and yes, this recipe calls for Bambi.  I’m on a kick where I only eat meat that is raised on our farm.  I was vegetarian for a while, but really, my crazy food choices are an entirely separate post topic.  Deer meat is organic and sustainable.  Deer is also high in protein and low in fat, so it is a healthy alternative to ground beef.  Let’s get cooking!

You will need:
2 lbs Ground Deer Meat
1 White Onion, chopped (save a little for garnish)
1/2 Cup Chili Powder
2 Teaspoons Onion Powder
2 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
2 Teaspoons Ground Red Pepper (can reduce to minimize spiciness)
2 Teaspoons Ground Cumin
2 Teaspoons Ground Oregano
2 Teaspoons Paprika
2 16oz Cans of Chili Beans (optional)
15oz (1 Can) Tomato Sauce
2 Cups Water

Optional garnish: avocado, cilantro, and corn chips

Place your deer meat and chopped onions in a coated, cast iron dutch oven and brown the meat.  The great thing about deer meat, is that there is very little fat.  You never have to drain or dirty up another pot.  One pot magic!

Here is the easy part: after the meat is brown, just dump all the other ingredients in and stir.  Simmer for about 20 or 30 minutes and ta-da, you have deer chili:

Aaron says I fancy mine up, but I like raw chopped white onion, sliced avocado, and cilantro added before I make myself a glutton.  He won’t take those extra steps for himself, but he never complains when I hand him his bowl fixed like mine.  Also, I have found that corn chips are so much better than plain saltine crackers.  Try it, you’ll thank me.

And of course there is always a second bowl.  It is not nearly as pretty as the first:

And you may notice the cheese.  Sometimes, if I don’t have any plans, I’ll eat cheese even though I’m lactose intolerant.  It is extra sharp cheddar, and it tastes magical in this chili!

I know the biggest debate will be whether to add beans or not, so are you a fan of beans or no beans in your chili?