Savory Chili

4 stalks celery with leaves -- chopped

3 green onions -- chopped

2 cloves garlic -- minced

1 large onion -- chopped

1 green pepper -- chopped

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 pounds ground beef

15 ounces tomato sauce

6 ounces tomato paste

2 cups water

1 can chili powder

--1 1/2-ounces 1 teaspoon salt

1 dash pepper

16 ounces canned kidney beans -- undrained

condiments -- optional

Saut� first 5 ingredients in oil in a large Dutch oven until tender. Add ground beef, and brown, stirring to crumble meat. Drain well.

Add tomato sauce and next 5 ingredients to beef mixture; stir well. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, 30 minutes or to desired consistency. Add beans the last 15 minutes.

Serve with the following condiments, if desired: shredded lettuce, shredded Che ddar cheese, diced onion, and tortilla chips.

Busted by Gail Shermeyer <[email protected]>

By Gail Shermeyer <[email protected]> on Jun 07, 1998.