Road Kill Chili

[Jose Patrón]

Different from any chili you have had, and my families favorite for several years. The secret is to follow the cooking times and don't overcook, leaves a slight crispiness in the peppers.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 pounds Hot Italian sausages
1 large onion, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
2 jalapeño chilies, seeded, chopped ( more or less by your preference)
5 tablespoon chili powder
3 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes in puree
1 15 1/4-ounce kidney beans, drained, rinsed
1 15-ounce can cannellini (white kidney beans), drained, rinsed
1 15- to 16-ounce can black beans, drained, rinsed
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar or red wine vinegar
Sour cream
Chopped fresh cilantro


Preparation:
Heat olive oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausages and brown on all sides, turning occasionally, about 8 minutes. Transfer sausage to plate. Add chopped onion to pan and sauté 5 minutes. Add chopped bell peppers and chilies and sauté 1 minute. Add chili powder and cumin and stir until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add crushed tomatoes and beans. Simmer 15 minutes to blend flavors. Cut sausage into 1/2-inch pieces. Add to chili and simmer until cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Mix in vinegar. Season chili to taste with salt and pepper. (Can be prepared 2 day ahead. Cool and refrigerate. Before serving, rewarm over medium heat.)

Spoon chili into bowls. Top with sour cream and cilantro and serve. Great served with sweet bread.