In South Texas, falling leaves and cool weather have arrived bringing about interesting Southern phenomenon known as "chili weather". The initial onset of cool, crisp fall and winter weather is also popularly referred to by Texans as chili weather, or a distinct urge to cook a warm, hearty, spicy dish to offset the chilly temperatures. Most Southern families have chili recipes that have been passed down between generations. And, of course, there are the modern, pioneering cooks who are constantly trying to perfect the art of chili making.
In the South, cooking chili is considered more than just making a tasty meal, it is also considered a skill. During fall and winter months many organizations including churches, schools, pubs, and neighborhood associations sponsor chili cook-offs.
Chili cook-offs often have nominal prizes to offer participants, but the lack of glamorous rewards never sways enthusiastic chili chefs. The winners of these chili cooking competitions usually receive a blue ribbon or a trophy as well as the chili making bragging rights, at least until the next cook-off. They compete for the simple glory of being a chili cooking champ.
There is, however, a Texas based association of chili-lovers that folks around the world can join to perfect their chili cooking skills, the Chili Appreciations Society, Inc. (CASI) sponsors more than 500 chili cook-offs annually all over the world. Joining this association and having a great time at any one of their chili competitions is something a chili enthusiast can feel good about as CASI donates over one million dollars a year to local charities. The largest CASI chili cooking competiton is held in November in Terlingua, Texas. The Terlingua International Chili Championship draws people from all over the United States and the world. The competition offers cash prizes for winners.
A basic chili recipe includes ground beef, onion, chili powder and tomato sauce and a never ending variation on spices such as chili powder, garlic, cumin, brown sugar, salt, pepper and others. This contributing writer has a chili recipes that grabs lots of attention and it is rare for dinner guests not to ask for second helping. Extra ingredients such as red kidney beans, corn and diced tomatoes make this chili recipe heartier than others. Whether or not it is good enough to win a chili cook-off, well, that remains to be seen. Enjoy.
Spicy Texas Chili
- 2 pounds ground beef or ground turkey
- one small onion
- one large clove of garlic
- 3 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes with liquid
- 1/2 can (14.75 oz.) corn niblets, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz.) red kidney beans, drained
- 3 tbsp. chili powder
- 1 1/2 tbsp. cumin
- 1/2 tbsp. garlic powder
- 1 tbsp. onion powder
- two dashes cinnamon
- salt and pepper
Directions:
- Chop the onion and combine with the ground beef in a hot Dutch oven or stew pot.
- Using a garlic press, add the clove of garlic. Allow the mixture to cook until the meat is cooked through and the onions are soft.
- Add in the canned ingredients and spices. Add the water. Allow to simmer over low heat for 45 minutes.
- Adjust spices as needed. Enjoy.
**Spicy Texas Chili is great served with buttered cornbread.
** It is also great when topped with cheese and slices of fresh jalapeno for and extra kick of spice.
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