Slow Cooker Fig Jam Chili

Chili is a beloved comfort food that transcends seasons and occasions. Its warm, hearty essence has made it a staple in kitchens across the globe, often serving as a centerpiece for family gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in. The traditional chili recipe is known for its rich, savory flavor, typically featuring ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and an array of spices. However, what if you could elevate this classic dish with a unique twist? Enter the Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Fig Jam Chili — a delightful blend that combines the warmth of spices with the unexpected sweetness of fig jam.

Discover the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this innovative Sweet & Spicy Slow Cooker Fig Jam Chili. This comforting dish features flavorful ground meat, hearty beans, and fragrant vegetables enhanced by the unexpected addition of fig jam. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights, it's easy to make with your slow cooker and offers a unique twist on traditional chili. Enjoy a hassle-free cooking experience and elevate your meals with this delightful recipe!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey for a lighter option)

1 medium onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, including their juices

1 cup fig jam (preferably homemade or from an artisanal producer)

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference)

1 cup low-sodium beef broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version)

1 bell pepper (red or green), diced

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or jalapeños

Instructions

Sauté the Vegetables: Start by heating a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them until they are fragrant and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Once done, remove from the heat and set aside.

Brown the Meat: In the same skillet, add your ground beef (or turkey). Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain off any excess fat to keep your chili from becoming too greasy.

Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In your slow cooker, combine the sautéed onion and garlic with the browned meat. Next, add in the black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juices), diced bell pepper, and the delightful fig jam. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and pour in the broth. Stir everything together until well combined.

Season and Cook: Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This leisurely cooking will allow the ingredients to meld beautifully, developing robust flavors.

Taste and Adjust Seasoning: When the cooking time is up, taste your chili. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or more cayenne pepper as desired. If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove the lid and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.

Serve and Enjoy: Once ready, ladle the chili into bowls. Enhance each serving with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, slices of creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, or even a few slices of spicy jalapeños for an extra kick.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 8 hours | Serves 6

- Presentation Tips: For a beautiful presentation, serve the chili in rustic bowls with a garnish of fresh cilantro on top, and arrange toppings in colorful ramekins on the side for a fun build-your-own chili experience!