In reply to Max Battcher.

Interesting; I've always been at a loss as to why celery is essential for soups and stews, since it doesn't give any flavor or nutrition. This chili doesn't use any broth, though, and gets all its liquid from the diced tomatoes. So with this ratio, it doesn't need to be thickened at all. (I have made it with tomato puree instead of tomato paste, but I was hoping that the paste would give it a little more depth of flavor).