A good homemade chili recipe typically involves a blend of ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, simmered to perfection. Here's a comprehensive guide to making a delicious and satisfying pot of chili:
### Ingredients:
To make a classic chili, you'll need the following:
- Olive oil: 1-2 tablespoons
- Aromatics:
- 1 large onion, chopped or diced (white or yellow)
- 3-6 cloves garlic, minced or finely chopped
- Meat:
- 1-2 pounds ground beef (80-90% lean is often recommended)
- Optional: 1 pound ground pork sausage, or 5 strips of chopped bacon for added flavor
- Tomato products:
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes (fire-roasted recommended for more flavor)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
- Optional: 4 cups tomato juice, or 1 cup ketchup for a touch of sweetness
- Beans:
- 1-2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- Optional: Pinto beans or black beans can also be used
- Liquids:
- 1 ½ cups beef broth, or chicken broth
- Optional: 1 cup beer, or 1 ½ cups water
- Spices and seasonings:
- 1 ½ - 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1-1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- ¼ - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste, for heat)
- ¾ - 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon brown sugar (helps balance acidity)
- Optional: 1/4 cup taco seasoning
- Optional: Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or a pinch of garlic powder and onion powder
### Instructions:
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5-8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Cook the meat: If using bacon, cook it first until crisp, then remove and set aside, reserving some of the grease. Add the ground beef (and sausage, if using) to the pot. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Add tomato paste and spices: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes until it darkens in color and starts to stick to the pot. This step concentrates the tomato flavor and cooks out the "tinny" taste. Then, add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir to coat the meat and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Combine wet ingredients and simmer: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth (and beer or water, if using). Add the rinsed and drained beans. Stir everything well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld and deepen. If the chili becomes too thick, you can add a little more water or broth. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can simmer it uncovered for the last part of the cooking time, or stir in a spoonful of cornmeal.
- Taste and serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.
### Optional additions and variations:
- Vegetables: Diced bell peppers (green or red), jalapeños (seeded and finely diced for less heat), corn, zucchini, or spinach can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Thickening: If you want a thicker chili, you can stir in a spoonful of cornmeal during the last hour of simmering.
- Slow cooker method: Many chili recipes can be adapted for a slow cooker. After browning the meat and sautéing the aromatics on the stovetop, transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preferred level of heat. You can also add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Other proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, elk, or plant-based crumbles can be used in place of ground beef.
### Serving suggestions:
Chili is delicious on its own or topped with:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
- Diced avocado
- Crushed tortilla chips
- Cornbread or biscuits
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