When It's Cold Outside - It's Chili Time

Chili is a versatile dish with countless variations, each with its own unique twist. From its mysterious origins to the heated debates over the best recipe, chili has a rich history that continues to evolve. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, with meat or vegetarian, there's a chili for everyone.

The Origins of Chili

The exact origins of chili are shrouded in mystery, but it is widely believed to have roots in Texas. The dish, known as "chili con carne" (Spanish for "chili with meat"), likely evolved from the culinary practices of Spanish settlers and Native Americans. The first known chili recipe dates back to the 1850s, and it was a staple for cowboys and trail cooks on cattle drives.

The Chili Queens of San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas, played a significant role in popularizing chili. In the late 19th century, women known as "Chili Queens" sold their spicy stews from small carts in the city's Military Plaza. By 1880, these vendors had made chili a beloved local dish, and the plaza became known as "La Plaza del Chile con Carne."

The Great Chili Debate

Chili enthusiasts often engage in passionate debates about the best chili recipe. Some prefer it spicy and hot, while others like it mildly spiced. The type of meat used can also vary, with options ranging from ground beef to exotic meats like venison or rattlesnake. Vegetarian versions of chili are also popular, using vegetable stock and tomatoes instead of meat.

Beans or No Beans?

One of the most contentious aspects of chili is whether or not to include beans. Traditional Texas chili recipes typically do not include beans, while other variations incorporate pinto beans, red beans, kidney beans, black beans, or white beans. The choice of beans, if any, is a matter of personal preference.

Chili Peppers and Seasonings

The type and amount of chili peppers and seasonings used in chili can vary widely. Common ingredients include onions, garlic, oregano, cumin, and various types of chili peppers. The heat level can range from mild to extremely spicy, depending on the cook's preference.

Famous Chili Recipes

Original Texas Chili Recipe

An early Texas chili recipe, attributed to cattle range cooks, includes the following ingredients:

• Meat (beef is preferred), cut into pieces the size of a pecan
• Suet (fat) to prevent sticking
• Wild onions, garlic, oregano, and chili peppers
• Salt

The ingredients are cooked together until the meat is tender.

Chili Queen's Recipe

A recipe from the Chili Queens of San Antonio includes:

• 2 pounds beef shoulder, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 1/2 cup suet (1/4 cup beef fat, 1/4 cup pork fat)
• 3 medium-sized onions, chopped
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 quart water
• 4 ancho chiles
• 1 serrano chile
• 6 dried red chiles
• 1 tablespoon cumin seeds, freshly ground
• 2 tablespoons Mexican oregano
• Salt to taste

The meat is cooked in the suet, then onions and garlic are added. Water is added, and the mixture simmers while the chiles are prepared. The chiles are ground and added to the pot, and the mixture simmers for another 2 hours.

The Cultural Significance of Chili

Chili has become an integral part of American culture, especially in Texas. The dish is celebrated with chili cook-offs, where cooks compete to create the best chili. These events are popular throughout the United States, and they highlight the diverse ways chili can be prepared.

Interesting Chili Facts

• The International Chili Society (ICS) hosts the World Championship Chili Cook-off, which has been held annually since 1967. ICS
• According to a 2019 survey, 62% of Americans prefer their chili with beans, while 38% prefer it without. YouGov
• The world's largest pot of chili was made in 2017 in Minto, North Dakota, weighing in at 2,439 pounds. Guinness World Records

Conclusion

The history and diversity of chili make it a fascinating dish that continues to evolve. Whether you prefer a traditional Texas chili or a vegetarian version, there's a chili recipe for everyone. The great chili debate is likely to continue, but that's part of the fun. So, the next time it's cold outside, warm up with a bowl of your favorite chili.

This article has been fact-checked and expanded to provide a detailed and nuanced exploration of chili. For more information on the history of chili, you can visit Smithsonian Magazine and History.com.