Great Texas Chili By Kevin Jordan

You are sure to ruffle some feathers when you discuss Texas chili. All cooks professional and home have their own versions of this blend of beef, dried chiles, garlic, cumin, and oregano, but never beans. Most Chili has the consistency between stew and soup, loaded with meat, and a noticeable chile flavor. Texas chili is one of the most popular culinary staples in the state. Generally Texas chili is more spicy with the addition of hot peppers and spices.

Texas chili has a grand heritage and overwhelming popularity. It is a great choice for a wintertime meal, and definitely pleasing for large parties. While the origins of Chili is argued everywhere, the first chili cook off known took place in Terlingua, Texas in 1967, and one still can attend competitions held each year in Terlingua. While the International Chili Society moved the competition from Terlingua in 1975 to Rosamound, California.

How to Prepare Texas Chili

The building blocks of making Chili requires choosing the type of beef, picking the right chile and selecting the best type of liquid, and spices to add. Spice blends include commercial chili powders, with salt, garlic, cumin, oregano. Texas Chili doesn’t contain vegetables other than peppers.

Choosing the Chiles

Most recipes prefer mild chiles which are toasted giving a fuller, and warmer flavor. Toasting in an oven or skillet oven takes less effort and allows for the chilis to puff up and become fragrant after five to six minutes, be careful not to over toast so they don’t become bitter.

How to Prepare the Chiles

Either rehydrate in liquid and process into a puree or grind into a powder around 1 Tbsp to 2 Tbsp of ground chile for a pound of meat, sautéing chile powder for best results. Peppers range from dark red, sweet raisiny Ancho chiles, smooth, shiny, earthy New Mexico reds, milder California chiles, hotter, herby Pasillas, then to spice up your Texas chili use Guajillo, De Arbol, Pequin, Cayenne, and Jalapenos.