Farm Fresh Summer Chili

Even though yesterday was a hot summer day, the overcast clouds, sporadic rain showers, and a fridge full of fresh produce from this week's CSA box gave me a craving from chili.

1lb Ground Beef

1 medium onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

2-3 fresh tomatoes* or 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilis

1 can pinto beans, undrained

2-3 summer squash and/or zucchini

1 cup hulled garden peas

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

• Brown ground beef with onion and garlic. Drain if necessary.
• Add in diced tomatoes and pinto beans.**
• Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3-4 minutes.
• Mix in your spices.
• Add in zucchini, summer squash and garden peas.
• Simmer for 10 minutes.
• Enjoy with your favorite chili toppings - diced avocado, shredded cheese, tortilla chips.

*Fresh diced tomatoes:

• Boil large pot of water
• Add in tomatoes
• Boil until skin begins to crack
• Remove from water and place in ice water bath
• Peel tomatoes
• Dice with knife (this is messy) or use a potatoe masher or a hamburger chopper.

**If you like your chili with a little kick, add in diced poblano peppers.