Easy Chili Base Recipe! From Garden Tomatoes to Pantry Shelf!

There's nothing like having a quick, homemade chili ready to go on a busy night. This chili meal starter brings all the rich, garden-fresh flavor of summer into a jar. With homegrown tomatoes, onion, bell pepper, and a Fresno chili for just the right kick, this base makes whipping up a hearty chili as simple as browning some meat and opening a jar.

Not only does it save time, but it also keeps your pantry stocked with wholesome, from-scratch ingredients you can feel good about serving to your family.

Ingredients (makes 5 pint jars):

• Fresh garden tomatoes (enough to cook down into juice)
• 1 large onion
• 1 bell pepper
• 2 Fresno chili pepper (or similar mild/hot pepper)
• 2 ½ tablespoons chili powder (½ tablespoon per jar)
• 2 ½ tablespoons cumin (½ tablespoon per jar)
• 2 ½ teaspoons paprika (½ teaspoon per jar)
• 5 teaspoons salt (1 teaspoon per jar)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, cook fresh garden tomatoes until soft and juicy.
2. Run the cooked tomatoes through a sieve or food mill to remove skins and seeds, leaving smooth tomato juice.
3. In a food processor, blend the onion, bell pepper, and Fresno chili until finely chopped or puréed.
4. Divide this pepper-onion mixture evenly among five clean pint jars.
5. To each jar, add:
   • ½ tablespoon chili powder
   • ½ tablespoon cumin
   • ½ teaspoon paprika
   • 1 teaspoon salt
6. Fill jars with the hot tomato juice, leaving 1 inch of headspace at the top.
7. Wipe the jar rims, apply the lids, and screw on the rings.
8. Process in a pressure canner for 60 minutes (pints).
9. Let the jars cool, check the seals, and store them in a cool, dark pantry.

How to Use Your Chili Starter

When you're ready for a warm, comforting bowl of chili:

1. Brown 1-2 pounds of ground beef, turkey, or chicken.
2. Add beans, corn, a can of tomatoes, or extra peppers if you'd like.
3. Pour in a pint of your homemade Chili Meal Starter.
4. Simmer until flavors come together.

That's it-dinner is ready with minimal effort and maximum homemade flavor.

Tips & Variations

• 🌶️ Spice it up: Add extra chili powder or swap in a hotter pepper if your family loves spice.
• 🫘 Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and add beans, lentils, or even quinoa.
• 🥫 Batch cooking: Double or triple the recipe when your garden is overflowing-your winter self will thank you.