Chili is as American as food gets. Everyone seems to have their favorite recipe. Below are three of my favorites. We sold these at the take out and each had their fans.
This is a perfect Super Bowl Party because you can actually enjoy the game yourself since most of this can be prepared in advance – like made and stored in the freezer for four to six weeks or the refrigerator for days.
The best thing about all of these chilies is they don't take a lot of cooking but are full of flavor. Speaking of flavor, while the recipe is called chile, it is cumin that makes it taste like chili. So if the chili doesn't taste enough like chili, add more cumin and or salt but slowly.
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The Killer Chili which includes beef was a combination of recipes that I originally came up with for a long-ago Super Bowl. We served it over one pound baked potatoes. The dark beer is an important ingredient. For this batch, I used the leftover Guinness Stout, which I froze, from the Gingerbread with Orange Sauce but any dark ale or beer can be used.
For the lighter palate, White Chicken Chili is just the thing. It can be as light or as heavy as you want, depending upon the toppings. To make this super-fast, use a rotisserie chicken.
The final offering is a vegetarian Black Bean Chili. It's really hard to tell it is meatless. It is low fat, high protein, perfect for non-meat eaters.
Be sure to offer plenty of toppings and bread. Then finish with cookies and brownies.
KILLER CHILI
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
8 ounces yellow onions, coarsely chopped
1 pound ground chuck
1 teaspoon black pepper
6 ounces tomato paste
2 teaspoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons cumin
3 tablespoons chili powder (used medium)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 - 14 ounce can tomato sauce
1 pound petite diced tomatoes and juice
1- 12 ounces dark beer
1 cup water
4 ounce can chopped green chilies
1 – 16 ounce can chili hot beans, with liquid
Heat oil and cook onions over low heat until tender and translucent. Do not brown. Cook ground chuck completely in as many pans as necessary until well browned. Drain off as much fat as possible by placing in colanders.
Transfer the onions and the cooked beef into a large stockpot. Add the remaining ingredients, except the beans. Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes. Stir often to prevent burning.
Add the beans and simmer for another 15 minutes. Correct the seasonings to your taste.
WHITE CHICKEN CHILI
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon oregano
4 ounces (225 grams) green chilis
2 cups chicken stock
1 to 2 cans white beans, drained and rinsed
1 pound cooked chicken, cut into 1 inch dice (454 grams)
½ teaspoon salt
Heat oil; add onions and saute until translucent. Stir in garlic, chilies, cumin, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Saute for 2 to 3 minutes. Add stock, beans and chicken and salt. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 15 minutes.
Correct the seasonings to your taste.
About 4 ½ to 5 cups
BLACK BEAN CHILI
1 medium onion, peeled and diced
1 large green pepper, diced
3 large cloves garlic, finely minced
1 heaping tablespoon jalapeno’s, finely minced (these may be bottled)
-if fresh, remove the seeds
1 pound can of diced tomatoes
2 – 1 pound cans of black beans, rinsed well
1 – 1 pound can tomato puree
1 tablespoon mild pure chili powder
1 ½ teaspoon cumin
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
In a little oil, sauté onions, green pepper, garlic, and jalapenos until soft. Add remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer about 20 minutes.
Correct the seasonings to your taste.
TOPPINGS
This is a list to get you started. Pick and choose as you please or add your favorites.
Shredded cheese – cheddar, queso fresco and, pepper jack are good here
Sour cream
Fritoes™ or crushed tortilla chips
Green onions, sliced
Diced red onions
Diced tomatoes
Chopped cilantro
Sliced jalapenos
Chopped avocado
Lime wedges
Hot Sauce
NOT TOPPINGS BUT A GOOD IDEA
Baked Potatoes – cut open and pour the chili over
Classic Corn Bread Muffins
Yeasted Corn Bread
Soft Flat Breads
Flour Tortillas
Cookies
Brownies
Catherine says
Made the Killer Chilli and it was THE best! Thank you Helen for another winning recipe!
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Catherine - so happy you made this. We sold so much of this at the take out.
Anne H Hines says
Killer Chili, just the recipe I have been looking for. Thank you for all of your recipes, tips, and tricks.
Helen S Fletcher says
Your welcome Anne. Happy New Year.
Nancy Reed says
Thank you Helen for the savory recipes. I make your baked bbq ribs all the time.
Your savory recipes are the things my family enjoys eating!
Happy New Year! Nancy R.
Helen S Fletcher says
Hi Nancy, Happy New Year to you. You must be with me since I did my original blog. Unfortunately, savory, unless it is connected with baking, is not well received on this blog so I stick with the main theme which is baking and pastry. Happy to have you still with me.