Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 for flavor, or leaner if preferred)
- 1 lb ground pork (for extra juiciness)
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted, if available)
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 3 tbsp chili powder (or more, to taste)
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (unsweetened, to add depth)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (balances acidity)
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar (for tang)
- 2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/2 cup strong coffee (adds richness and depth)
- 1/2 cup dark beer (like a stout or porter, optional but adds complexity)
- 2 bay leaves
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
Optional Garnishes:
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions:
- Prepare Your Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and pork. Brown the meat, breaking it up as it cooks, until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onions, red and green bell peppers, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the onions are translucent and the peppers are soft.
- Spice It Up: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, coriander, and oregano. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, letting the spices toast slightly to release their flavors.
- Build the Base: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, coffee, and beer (if using). Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Add Beans and Seasoning: Mix in the kidney beans and pinto beans. Add the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld together. If it gets too thick, add a little more beef broth or water.
- Final Adjustments: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Serve with cornbread, crusty bread, or over rice for a hearty meal.
Tips for Extra Flavor:
- For Smokiness: Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a dash of liquid smoke.
- For More Heat: Increase the cayenne pepper or add diced fresh jalapeños during cooking.
- For Creaminess: Swirl in a bit of cream cheese or cheddar cheese at the end for a creamy texture.
- For Extra Umami: Consider adding a bit of soy sauce or anchovy paste.
Additional Ingredients and Enhancements:
- Secret Ingredient: Dark Chocolate or Cocoa Nibs
- Why: Adds a deep, rich, and slightly bitter note that complements the spices and enhances the umami.
- How to Use: Add 1-2 small squares of dark chocolate (70% or higher) or 1 tablespoon of cocoa nibs while simmering.
- Roasted Garlic Paste
- Why: Roasted garlic adds a sweet, mellow depth that raw garlic can’t match.
- How to Use: Roast a whole garlic bulb (drizzled with olive oil and wrapped in foil) at 400°F (200°C) for about 30 minutes. Squeeze out the cloves and mash into a paste, then stir it into the chili during the final simmer.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes and Charred Veggies
- Why: Adds a smoky, charred flavor that mimics the taste of a chili cooked over an open flame.
- How to Use: Use canned fire-roasted tomatoes instead of regular diced tomatoes. Charred corn or even diced zucchini can be added for more texture.
- Add a Variety of Meats
- Why: Different meats offer unique textures and flavors.
- How to Use: Consider adding diced steak, shredded chicken, or even some diced chorizo sausage along with the ground beef and pork.
- Incorporate Sweetness with Dried Fruits
- Why: Dried fruits like apricots, raisins, or dates add a hint of sweetness and a chewy texture that complements the spices.
- How to Use: Chop a handful of dried fruits and add them in with the tomatoes. They will rehydrate and blend in seamlessly, offering little bursts of sweetness.
- Infuse with Herbs and Fresh Ingredients
- Why: Fresh herbs add a pop of freshness and complexity.
- How to Use: Add fresh cilantro stems (finely chopped) during cooking for a hint of herbaceousness. Finish with a handful of fresh cilantro leaves or chopped scallions right before serving.
- Finish with an Acidic Kick
- Why: A hit of acidity brightens the flavors and balances the richness.
- How to Use: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the chili just before serving, or offer lime wedges on the side.
- Crunchy Toppings and Unique Garnishes
- Why: Adds texture and makes every bite exciting.
- How to Use:
- Crushed Corn Chips – For crunch, add on top right before serving.
- Toasted Pepitas (Pumpkin Seeds) – Adds a nutty flavor and extra crunch.
- Pickled Jalapeños or Red Onions – For a tangy and spicy punch.
- Crumbled Cotija or Feta Cheese – For a salty, tangy contrast.
- Avocado Salsa or Guacamole – Fresh, creamy, and cooling against the spicy chili.
- Add a Smoked Element with Meat or Spice
- Why: Smoked ingredients like smoked paprika, chipotle peppers, or even smoked bacon add depth and complexity.
- How to Use: Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika, or add a couple of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. If using bacon, cook it first and use the rendered fat for sautéing onions and garlic.
- Experiment with Beans and Legumes
- Why: Mix up the beans for different textures and flavors.
- How to Use: Try black beans, cannellini beans, or even lentils for a unique twist.
- Add a Shot of Bourbon or Tequila
- Why: Alcohol adds complexity and enhances the flavors of the spices.
- How to Use: Add a shot of bourbon or tequila during the simmering process. Let it cook off for a couple of minutes to mellow out.
- Simmer with Cinnamon Sticks or Star Anise
- Why: Adds a subtle warmth and exotic note.
- How to Use: Add 1 cinnamon stick or 1 star anise while simmering. Remove before serving.
Cooking Tips to Enhance Flavor:
- Bloom Spices: Toast your spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, etc.) in the pot for 1-2 minutes before adding liquids. This releases their oils and intensifies their flavor.
- Deglaze Properly: After browning the meat and sautéing the veggies, use beef broth, beer, or coffee to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for added flavor.
- Let It Rest: If possible, let the chili sit for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
With these additional ingredients and enhancements, your Chili Parlor Chili will have complex flavors, interesting textures, and a delicious balance of heat, sweetness, and smokiness. This version is sure to impress and provide a memorable experience
Enjoy your supercharged Chili Parlor Chili with a side of cornbread or a generous helping of your favorite toppings
