Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. Perfect for family gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in, this chili stands out with its rich blend of spices and tender meat. The combination of ground beef and chicken creates a delightful texture, while the addition of masa harina and chocolate adds depth to the flavor profile. Whether served with cornbread or over rice, this chili will surely impress your guests and become a staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious chili without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful Combination: The mix of spices and meats creates a robust flavor that makes each bite satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: Great on its own or paired with sides, this chili adapts to various occasions and preferences.
• Make Ahead Option: This recipe is perfect for batch cooking, allowing you to enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-Friendly: With mild yet tasty flavors, even picky eaters will love this comforting meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools that streamline the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• Wooden spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot: These pots distribute heat evenly, perfect for simmering your chili without burning.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic quick and safe.
• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for all your chopping needs.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

For the Chili Base

• 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 6 tablespoons chili powder
• 4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Meats

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb ground chicken

For the Vegetables & Beans

• 4 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 (15 oz) cans pinto beans

For Flavor Enhancers

• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons masa harina
• 2 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate

How to Make Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Add Spices

Stir in salt, chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook while stirring constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Incorporate Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until it becomes aromatic.

Step 4: Brown the Meat

Add both ground beef and ground chicken to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high. Stir well to break meat into small pieces while cooking until fully browned.

Step 5: Combine Tomatoes and Beans

Pour in the canned tomatoes with their juices along with pinto beans. Toss in bay leaves. Bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 6: Simmering Process

Let your chili simmer uncovered for 90-120 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes for even cooking.

Step 7: Final Touches

After simmering, remove bay leaves from the pot. Mix in masa harina and semi-sweet baking chocolate. Cook for an additional 5-10 minutes while stirring well to ensure everything is blended properly.

Now you have a delicious bowl of Mom’s Award-Winning Chili ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Serving Mom’s Award-Winning Chili is a delightful experience that allows you to get creative with your presentation. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate the dish and impress your guests.

Classic Serving Suggestions

• Over Rice: Serve the chili on a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for added texture and heartiness.
• In a Bowl: A simple yet effective way to enjoy chili is in a deep bowl, allowing for easy scooping with a spoon.

With Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the spices in the chili.
• Shredded Cheese: Top with shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese for a melty finish that enhances the flavor.

Accompanied by Bread

• Cornbread: Serve slices of warm cornbread on the side for a sweet contrast to the spicy chili.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread pairs well and can be used to scoop up the chili.

As Part of a Meal

• Taco Night: Use the chili as a filling for tacos, adding fresh veggies and toppings for extra crunch.
• Chili Dog Style: Spoon the chili over chicken chicken hot dogs, topped with onions and cheese for a fun twist.

How to Perfect Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

To ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance flavor and texture while making preparation easier.

• Bold Spices: Use fresh spices whenever possible. Freshly ground spices provide more intense flavors compared to pre-ground ones.
• Slow Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer longer helps meld flavors together beautifully. Aim for at least 90 minutes.
• Balanced Ingredients: Adjust beans and tomatoes based on your preference. More beans create a thicker texture, while extra tomatoes add moisture.
• Chocolate Addition: Don’t skip the semi-sweet baking chocolate. It enriches the overall flavor profile and adds depth.
• Test Seasoning: Always taste your chili before serving. Adjust seasoning like salt or pepper as needed to suit your palate.
• Make Ahead: Chili often tastes better the next day! Make it in advance and let it rest in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Best Side Dishes for Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with Mom’s Award-Winning Chili can create an even more satisfying meal. Here are some tasty options that complement your chili perfectly.

1. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and buttery cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili sauce.
2. Guacamole and Chips: Creamy guacamole served with crunchy tortilla chips makes for an excellent appetizer before diving into the main dish.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the rich flavors of chili.
4. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes an excellent base for serving chili on top.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and cheese offer another filling option alongside your chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with butter or cheese serve as a hearty side dish that pairs wonderfully with spicy chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking chili can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can lead to less-than-stellar results. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of.

• Bold Flavor Missteps: Skipping spices or not measuring them can result in a bland dish. Always follow the spice measurements for a flavorful chili.
• Bold Overcooking Beans: Adding beans too early can make them mushy. Add them later in the cooking process for better texture.
• Bold Ignoring Simmer Time: Rushing the simmering process prevents flavors from fully developing. Allow at least 90 minutes for optimal taste.
• Bold Not Browning Meat Properly: Undercooking or not browning the meat well can lead to a greasy texture. Ensure your meat is browned thoroughly before adding other ingredients.
• Bold Forgetting to Taste: Not tasting your chili as it cooks can lead to imbalanced flavors. Regularly taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe bags or containers.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

• Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered baking dish for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe special?

This chili stands out due to its rich combination of spices and the unique depth added by chocolate, creating a perfect balance of flavors.

Can I customize this Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the spice level by incorporating more or fewer peppers based on your taste preferences.

How long does Mom’s Award-Winning Chili last?

Refrigerated, it lasts up to 4 days, and if frozen, you can enjoy it for up to 3 months!

Is there a vegetarian version of Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe?

Yes! Substitute ground beef and chicken with lentils or mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option while keeping the same delicious flavor.

Conclusion

Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Its deep flavors make it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or spice levels to suit your palate!

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