I feel like I’m on an endless quest for the perfect chili recipe.
I’ve talked about it before, and even talked about it over at EatingBender once… and my quest continues. Every time I make chili, I tweak the recipe justalittlebit and I kid you not, it just keeps getting better.
I’m a fan of a simple chili. I know a lot of people like a lot of “stuff” in theirs, and while it’s good like that sometimes, I like a chili that tastes, well, like chili. I love a lot of beans (sorry Adam…wait, he ate it too…) and a tomatoey base, but not SO tomatoey that it’s like chili-flavored meat sauce. For now, at least until the next time I make chili, THIS will be the best I’ve made.
Besides this one.
And maybe this one.
Yet Another Chili Recipe
Serves 8
Ingredients
1.5 lb. lean ground beef (or equal amount by measure of ground turkey, TVP, or raw bulgur wheat)
3 large cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 small can (4 oz) diced green chiles
1 can original Ro-Tel tomatoes with chiles
1 large can (32 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 c. (yes really) good chili powder
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp garlic powder
1 dried Red New Mexico chile, stem and seeds removed
Salt and Pepper to taste
Directions
Heat the oil in a large pot with the onion and garlic. Lower the heat to medium-low and slowly brown the onions and garlic until translucent and golden brown. Add the ground beef (or turkey, or TVP, or raw grain). Brown thoroughly (or lightly toast the grain) and then add ingredients from green chiles through cumin (add 2 c. water or stock if using a whole grain). Lower heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes. Add the dried chile and garlic powder, stir well, and simmer another 30 minutes over low heat. Before serving, remove the dried chile from the chili, add salt and pepper to taste, and serve with desired toppings.

Adam said this was “REALLY good” chili. Part of the trick, he said, was that the meat was in bigger pieces rather than small, which made it more “like chili” instead of sauce. I say it was the more complex flavor added by the dried chili, cumin, and chili powder I used. I also let it simmer for long enough (probably an hour or so total) and let it cool enough before eating it.
In other news: My “Clicks for Books” Fundraiser campaign for the A to Z Literacy project begins TOMORROW! Every click on this blog for the month of September will earn money to help kids in Zambia get the books they need for a good education. It’s free and takes two seconds! Please pass the word around, link back, tweet, whatever you can do!
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Mara! This chili recipe sounds great! I love throwing it into the crockpot too (recipe below) and am looking forward to the next cool day so I can fire some up.
Was wondering (and am sure you’ve probably posted about it before :l eep!) what kind of chili powder you use ?
http://whatscookinwithmary.blogspot.com/2010/04/marys-slow-cooker-chili.html
Mary (What’s Cookin’ with Mary)´s last [type] ..Quinoa Mac n Cheeze
I don’t think I have! I use Penzey’s Chili powder when I can, but when I run out of that, I use my local produce market’s brand. It comes in a bag instead of a canister.
I have two REALLY REALLY good chili recipes and I think they are both on my recipe page. One is from ED&BV cookbook, Coconut Coconut Chili and the other is Rachel Ray inspired, Pumpkin Black Bean. Both are fantastic! But I’m always looking for one even better too!
Lauren´s last [type] ..500 Days of Summer
I’ve never made chili from scratch… all the spices are intimidating to me. I agree, KISS! Keep It Simple, Stupid! Not the Stupid part, though…
Wei-Wei´s last [type] ..butter pumpkin
This chili looks fantastic. I am also on the quest for the perfect chili recipe. I’ll try yours and let you know what I think!
Great cause BTW! I hope you get lots of views. I’ll email the link to my fam.
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat)´s last [type] ..OC Foodie Fest
I feel the exact same way about chili! I have tried so many recipes out in the last two years and just haven’t found the perfect one yet. This looks delicious, Mara!
Lara (Thinspired)´s last [type] ..Who’s Says a Salad…
I wish I liked chili – it seems like such a great food, but it just doesn’t really do it for me. Mara, come make me your chili and change my mind!
Marianne´s last [type] ..When Life Hands You Bananas- Bake!
Not a huge chili fan, maybe I just haven’t found the right recipe! Yours looks great!
Kristy´s last [type] ..Ready or Not!
CD and I have been loving on some chili too, but I’d have to side with Adam on the bean front. I like beans, but I prefer my chili heavy on the meat and veggies…and almond butter.
Hope you had a good day Mara!
Just letting you know I’m clicking away!
Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat)´s last [type] ..OC Foodie Fest
Yours looks delicious, except of course I would leave the pesky onions out!
Have you tried my buffalo chicken chili? That recipe is my go to now.
http://biz319.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/best-buffalo-chicken-chili/
Happy Hump Day!
CHILI!! I remember that post well
I’m going to have to utilize this recipe as we head into the colder months!
Jenn (eating bender)´s last [type] ..That Post Where We Talk Wedding Details
Ooooh, looks super yummy. I have the same quest both for chili, and chicken tortilla soup. I haven’t made chili in a while but the last time I did the soup, it was the BEST EVER.
That bowl of chili looks fantastic! Perfectly topped with cheese + sour cream, YUM! I like my chili simple too, but I’m always open to new recipes and variations.
Jenn
J3nn (Jenn’s Menu and Lifestyle Blog)´s last [type] ..Land That I Love
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