All-American Chili I

All-American Chili I Recipe - Classic USA Comfort Food

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

All-American Chili I is a heartwarming, robust dish that embodies the spirit of American cuisine. This recipe brings together a medley of flavors and textures, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you're gathering with family on a cold winter night or hosting a summer cookout, this chili is sure to satisfy everyone's taste buds. With its rich blend of spices, meats, and vegetables, All-American Chili I is a testament to the diverse culinary landscape of the United States.

History

The origins of chili can be traced back to the American Southwest, where it was a staple among cowboys and pioneers. Over the years, it has evolved into a beloved dish across the country, with countless variations emerging. The All-American Chili I recipe is a modern take on this classic, incorporating ingredients like turkey sausage and sirloin for a lighter, yet equally flavorful version. This recipe pays homage to the traditional chili while adding a contemporary twist.

Ingredients

6 oz (170 g) hot sweet Italian turkey sausages
2 cups chopped onion
1 cup chopped green bell pepper
8 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb (454 g) ground sirloin
1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
2 tbsp chili powder
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cumin
3 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
0.5 tsp fresh ground black pepper
0.25 tsp salt
2 bay leaves
1.25 cups merlot or other fruity red wine
2 (28 oz (794 g)) cans whole tomatoes, undrained and coarsely chopped
2 (15 oz (425 g)) cans kidney beans, drained
0.5 cup shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese (2 oz (57 g))

How to prepare

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Remove casings from the sausage.
Add the sausage, onion, and the next 4 ingredients to the pan; cook for 8 minutes.
Add chili powder and the next 7 ingredients (chili powder through bay leaves).
Stir in wine, tomatoes, and kidney beans; bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Uncover and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Discard the bay leaves.
Sprinkle each serving with cheddar cheese.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with quinoa or an extra can of beans. You can also experiment with different types of beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, to vary the texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To maximize the flavors in this chili, consider browning the meats separately before combining them with the other ingredients. This will add a deeper flavor to the dish. Additionally, allowing the chili to simmer for an extra hour will enhance the melding of spices and ingredients, resulting in a richer taste. Don't hesitate to adjust the level of heat by adding more or less jalapeño pepper according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this chili hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for added flavor and texture. Accompany it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

A slow cooker can be used to prepare this chili, allowing the flavors to meld together over several hours. Alternatively, cooking it in a Dutch oven on the stovetop, as described in the recipe, provides a quicker method that still yields delicious results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If turkey sausage is not available, chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage can be used as a substitute. For a non-alcoholic version, replace the red wine with beef broth or vegetable broth.

Make Ahead Tips

This chili tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Simply prepare the chili, let it cool, and then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the chili in a hollowed-out bread bowl for an impressive presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and a wedge of lime for a burst of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this hearty chili with a light, crisp salad to balance the richness of the dish. A glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as a Merlot or a Zinfandel, complements the flavors beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or broth if the chili has thickened too much.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of this chili contains approximately 350 calories, making it a hearty yet calorie-conscious option for a main meal.

Carbohydrates

A serving of All-American Chili I contains approximately 34 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this dish are the kidney beans and tomatoes, which provide a good amount of dietary fiber as well.

Fats

This chili recipe is relatively low in fat, with a serving containing about 10 grams of fat. The use of lean ground sirloin and turkey sausage helps keep the fat content in check, making it a healthier option for those monitoring their fat intake.

Proteins

Protein is abundant in All-American Chili I, with a serving providing roughly 35 grams. The combination of ground sirloin and turkey sausage makes this dish an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.

Vitamins and minerals

All-American Chili I is rich in vitamins and minerals, thanks to its variety of ingredients. It is particularly high in vitamin C, provided by the green bell peppers and tomatoes, and iron, coming from the red meat and kidney beans. This dish also contains calcium, potassium, and several B vitamins.

Alergens

This recipe contains potential allergens such as dairy (cheddar cheese) and gluten (depending on the sausage used). Individuals with food sensitivities should adjust the recipe accordingly or ensure that their ingredients are allergen-free.

Summary

Overall, All-American Chili I is a nutritious, balanced dish that provides a good mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals. It's a hearty meal that can fit into a balanced diet.

Summary

All-American Chili I is a versatile, flavorful dish that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the United States. With its combination of high-quality proteins, nutritious vegetables, and a blend of spices, it's a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with your own variations, this chili is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated by its flavors. It was a cool autumn evening, and I was visiting my friend Mary's house for dinner. As soon as I walked through the door, the aroma of chili filled the air, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

Mary greeted me with a warm smile and led me into her cozy kitchen. There, bubbling away on the stove, was a pot of steaming chili. The rich, savory scent wafted through the room, mingling with the faint hint of spices and herbs.

I couldn't help but ask Mary for the recipe. She laughed and handed me a tattered old cookbook that had been passed down through her family for generations. As I flipped through the pages, my eyes landed on the recipe for All-American Chili I.

The ingredients were simple, yet the combination of flavors seemed to promise a delicious and satisfying meal. Ground beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, beans, and a blend of spices all came together to create a hearty and comforting dish.

Mary explained that the secret to a good chili was in the slow cooking process. She let the ingredients simmer on low heat for hours, allowing the flavors to meld and develop into a delicious harmony. She also shared a few tips and tricks she had learned over the years, such as adding a bit of cocoa powder for depth of flavor and a touch of brown sugar for sweetness.

I was eager to try my hand at making the chili, so Mary graciously invited me to stay for dinner and learn from her. As we chopped and stirred, she shared stories of how she had acquired the recipe from her grandmother, who had learned it from a neighbor many years ago.

The chili simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its tantalizing aroma. Mary and I chatted and laughed as we waited for it to be ready, savoring the anticipation of the delicious meal to come.

Finally, the chili was done. We ladled it into bowls and topped it with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded cheese, and a handful of fresh cilantro. The first bite was a revelation – the flavors were rich, complex, and utterly satisfying.

As I savored my bowl of chili, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I made a mental note to pass it down to my own grandchildren one day, just as Mary had done for me.

Since that evening, I have made All-American Chili I countless times. Each batch is a labor of love, a celebration of the time-honored tradition of sharing good food with loved ones. And each time I make it, I am reminded of that fateful autumn evening when I first laid eyes on the recipe that would become a cherished part of my culinary repertoire.