Atomic Age Chili

makes 2 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb (250 g) ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced.
• 1/4 green pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/2 lb (250 g) crushed tomatoes (use standard canned tomatoes)
• 1/4 lb (125 g) whole tomatoes, cut up
• 4 tbsp (57 g) tomato paste
• 12 oz (340 g) light red kidney beans, not drained (1 standard-size can)
• 1/4 Tbsp (7.5 g) brown sugar
• 2 tsp (10 g) white sugar
• 2 Tbsp (30 g) chili powder
• 1 tsp (5 g) MSG
• 1 tsp (5 g) crushed red pepper
• 1/2 tsp (3 g) ground black pepper
• 1 large pinch (1 g) salt
• 1 Tbsp (18 ml) bacon grease (optional)
• water or beer, as needed
• garlic powder, as needed

Directions

1. In a microwave-proof container, brown meat, onions, green pepper, and garlic for 5 minutes on full power. Drain off and reserve a 1/4 cup of liquid. Break up any remaining large chunks of meat.
2. Add remaining ingredients except tomato paste and cook on full power for 15 minutes covered. Stir and taste.
3. Cook for 40 minutes at 70% power, uncovered. Stir and taste at 20 minutes intervals. Add water as necessary.
4. Add tomato paste and reserved meat liquid. Cook 15 minutes at 60% power, uncovered.

Note: The chili will thicken up in the microwave so be sure to add enough water or beer to keep it soupy until the last phase.