TJ's Easy Chili

I have my wonderful mother to thank for this quick recipe.  She brings it to her church's chili night every spring and always gets compliments.  I served it amongst other chilis recently and gained the same response.  The secret ingredient -- the refried beans make it so creamy and add a surprising "depth" to the otherwise very basic chili.  Enjoy with typical chili toppings and extras -- hot sauce, tortillas chips, avocado....

TJ's Easy Chili
Serves 4-6

• 1 TBLS minced garlic
• 4 scallions, chopped
• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 cans fire roasted tomatoes, with juice
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 4 medium carrots, coarsely grated (1 1/2 cups packed)
• 1 cup broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Cilantro for garnish

-- Sauté garlic and scallions until soft and fragrant.  Add chili powder, 1 minute.

-- Add remaining and simmer 10-15 minutes, until bell pepper is soft. 

Crockpot: Easily dump and heat through on high for 2 hours