what basic ingredients come to your mind? * I've heard that the chili purists' proverb says
"If you know beans about chili, you know chili ain't got no beans." * Chili for me must have beans, tomatoes, ground beef, onions, green pepper, and heat. However, I call what I made tonight as CHILI and Mike calls what I made tonight as CHILI BEANS.
I grew up in Raleigh, and he grew up here in the Appalachians. The "chili" without beans was the stuff we put on hotdogs; that was the only use for it. After researching, I guess Texans say, "1) chili doesn’t have beans in it and 2) chili doesn’t have ground meat in it; the meat should be chopped." I suppose, in Texas, they've always had amble amounts of beef handy but in Raleigh, when I was growing up, we had to s-t-r-e-t-c-h a meal, so beans were used with a little ground beef. (I used canned beans tonight for a quicky meal but dried beans are very inexpensive). Also, I take after my Grandma, who raised children during the Depression, and throw in any leftovers that's why you see some carrots and broccoli.
Chili con carne (often known simply as chili) is a spicy stew. The name of the dish derives from the Spanish chile con carne, "chili pepper with meat."
I grew up in Raleigh, and he grew up here in the Appalachians. The "chili" without beans was the stuff we put on hotdogs; that was the only use for it. After researching, I guess Texans say, "1) chili doesn’t have beans in it and 2) chili doesn’t have ground meat in it; the meat should be chopped." I suppose, in Texas, they've always had amble amounts of beef handy but in Raleigh, when I was growing up, we had to s-t-r-e-t-c-h a meal, so beans were used with a little ground beef. (I used canned beans tonight for a quicky meal but dried beans are very inexpensive). Also, I take after my Grandma, who raised children during the Depression, and throw in any leftovers that's why you see some carrots and broccoli. 
Chili con carne (often known simply as chili) is a spicy stew. The name of the dish derives from the Spanish chile con carne, "chili pepper with meat."
5 comments:
Believe it or not, I don't know beans about chili. (Get it!?) Mom always had kidney beans in hers, and ground beef. But we're northerners, so whaddya 'spect? (Although I have to mention Cincinnati chili--all meat, no beans. Very different taste, kind of sweet. I'm sure Texans don't consider it chili at all.)
I'd file chili under the same category as barbeque: everyone's got their own way of doing it, and most of 'em are the Right Way.
LOOVE chili any way, any how! Last fall our local fire dept had a big sign out for about a month, for a chili cookoff. I drove by it everyday, until I couldn't take it anymore! Dropped Katie at her dance lesson, and went straight to the grocery store, didn't even take time to get a basket, went to the check out with my arms full of ingredients, and the brilliant cashier says, "Are you making chili?" Rushed home, made that chili and cornbread!!! Happily stretched it for two meals. I like chili with ground beef and beans, but have also made a "white" chili with chicken.
By the way, How's Sweet Pea doing?
Looks like a vegetable beef soup with chili powder. Chili should be thick and meaty with maters, beans, onions, and seasoning. :) No spoon needed, just a pack of crackers or some fried corn bread. Welcome to redneck HEAVEN.
~~Matt~~
I'm with you - I make mine with ground beef, chili beans (I like them better than kidneys), onion, rotel tomatoes, and lots of spices!!!
But ahhh, Flartus - there was a place in Maryland where a friend and I would meet for lunch at least once a month and have the most delightful Cincinnati chili - on spaghetti!!!
Oops, now I'm hungry....
Nancy in Iowa
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