As the weather cools down, nothing warms you up quite like a bowl of hearty chili. The key to a delicious chili is using high-quality ingredients and a blend of spices to create a flavorful broth. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Top your chili with shredded cheese, sliced green onions, sour cream, or cornbread to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
Chili made with ground beef or turkey is a classic, but for a lighter option try a vegetarian chili made with beans, corn, and vegetables. Chili also works well with alternative meats like chicken, pork, or bison. For extra flavor, use a combination of meat and beans. Simmer the chili for at least 30 minutes so the flavors have time to blend and thicken.
A perfect fall weekend calls for a pot of chili simmering on the stove. The aroma of spices will fill your home and warm you from the inside out. Chili freezes well for up to 3 months, so make a big batch to enjoy all season long.
For extra flavor, toast the chili spices in a dry skillet before adding to the pot. Common chili spices include cumin, oregano, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Play around with different spice blends to find a combination you love.
Chili made with dark beer or stout has rich, malty undertones. The alcohol will burn off during cooking, leaving just the flavor. For a smoky flavor, add a chipotle chile or splash of liquid smoke.
Top your bowl of chili with cornbread, rice, tortilla chips or cornbread to soak up the flavorful broth. Cheese, green onions, sour cream, avocado and cilantro also make great garnishes.
For a hearty meal, serve the chili with a simple salad. The freshness helps balance out the rich, spicy flavors of the chili. Cornbread is also a classic side, perfect for dunking in the broth.
To make a creamy chili, stir in a cup of half and half or heavy cream during the last few minutes of cooking. For extra decadence, top bowls of creamy chili with shredded cheddar cheese, crème fraiche, or fried shallots.
For a healthier chili, use ground turkey or chicken, lots of beans, and fill it with diced bell peppers, zucchini, spinach and eggplant. Packed with veggies and protein, this lighter chili option is satisfying without the extra calories.
Spice up your life with a bowl of red chili made from beef, chili powder, cumin, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes and chipotle peppers. The blend of spices and smoky chipotles will add heat and tons of flavor to this classic dish. Have hot sauce on hand for those who like it extra spicy!