Three-alarm Chili

Three-alarm Chili Recipe - Spicy Sirloin Chili from USA

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Three-alarm Chili is a classic and hearty dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. This recipe is packed with flavor and spice, making it a favorite among chili lovers.

History

Chili has a long and rich history in American cuisine, with roots dating back to the early settlers in the Southwest. Three-alarm Chili gets its name from the three levels of heat it provides, making it a spicy and satisfying dish.

Ingredients

1 lb (480 g) coarsely ground top sirloin
1 medium white onion, 6 oz (180 g), chopped
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 medium red bell pepper, 6 oz (180 g), seeded and chopped
3 tbsp (45 ml) good-quality chili powder
0.5 tbsp (7.5 ml) ground cumin
1 tsp (5 ml) crushed dried oregano
1 14.5 oz (435 g) no salt added crushed tomatoes
0.5 cup (120 ml) low-sodium canned beef broth

Topping

0.5 cup (115 g) plain non-fat yogurt
2 tbsp (30 ml) minced fresh cilantro
1 tsp (5 ml) good-quality chili powder
0.13 tsp (0.6 ml) cayenne pepper

How to prepare

Place the ground sirloin in a dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat.
Cook, stirring, until the beef is no longer pink.
Drain off any fat or juices.
Measure 2 tbsp of the onion and set it aside.
Add the remaining onion, garlic, and bell pepper into the pot and cook, stirring, for 5 minutes.
Stir in chili powder, cumin, oregano, tomatoes with their liquid, and beef broth.
Lower the heat to simmer and cook, covered, until the meat and vegetables are tender, about 35 to 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, finely mince the reserved onion.
Place the minced onion in a small bowl and stir in the remaining topping ingredients. Set it aside.
When the chili is done, ladle it into a bowl and offer the topping to spoon onto each serving.

Variations

For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground sirloin with plant-based meat crumbles. You can also add additional vegetables such as corn, beans, or zucchini for extra flavor and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To enhance the flavor of the chili, try toasting the spices before adding them to the pot. This will help release their oils and intensify their taste. Additionally, letting the chili simmer for a longer period of time will allow the flavors to meld together and create a more robust dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Three-alarm Chili with a side of cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the liquid to reduce. You can also use a slow cooker to cook the chili on low heat for several hours for a more tender and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have ground sirloin, you can use ground turkey or chicken as a substitute. You can also use different types of beans such as kidney beans or black beans in place of the tomatoes for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Three-alarm Chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Three-alarm Chili with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a colorful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Three-alarm Chili with a cold beer or a glass of red wine for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Three-alarm Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Three-alarm Chili contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Three-alarm Chili contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Three-alarm Chili contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Three-alarm Chili contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Three-alarm Chili is a good source of vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt) and may contain gluten depending on the brand of chili powder used.

Summary

Three-alarm Chili is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Three-alarm Chili is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for warming up on a cold day. Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals, this dish is a nutritious and delicious meal option for any occasion.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Three-alarm Chili. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I had just finished helping my neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, with her garden. As a thank you, she invited me into her cozy kitchen for a warm bowl of chili.

Mrs. Jenkins was known throughout the neighborhood for her amazing cooking skills, and I was thrilled to learn some of her secrets. As I sat at her kitchen table, savoring each spicy bite of her Three-alarm Chili, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself.

After finishing my bowl, I asked Mrs. Jenkins for the recipe, and she smiled knowingly. "Ah, my dear, this is a family secret that has been passed down for generations," she said. "But I suppose I could make an exception for you."

I was overjoyed as Mrs. Jenkins pulled out a weathered recipe card from her recipe box and handed it to me. As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I knew this chili was going to be a labor of love. It called for a variety of spices, three different types of chili peppers, and a slow simmer on the stove for hours.

Over the next few weeks, I practiced making the Three-alarm Chili, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my taste. I added a touch more cumin for extra depth of flavor and a dollop of honey to balance out the heat. Each time I made a batch, the aroma of simmering spices filled my kitchen, and I felt a sense of pride knowing I was carrying on Mrs. Jenkins' family tradition.

As the years went by, I continued to perfect my Three-alarm Chili recipe, adding my own personal touches and sharing it with friends and family. It became a staple at family gatherings and potlucks, always eliciting compliments and requests for the recipe.

One day, while browsing through a local bookstore, I came across a chili cook-off competition flyer. Without hesitation, I signed up, eager to put my Three-alarm Chili to the test against other chili connoisseurs.

The day of the competition arrived, and I nervously set up my station, surrounded by other contestants with their pots of steaming chili. As the judges made their rounds, sampling each entry, I watched with bated breath, hoping my chili would stand out among the rest.

When the winners were announced, I was shocked to hear my name called for first place. My Three-alarm Chili had won over the judges with its bold flavors and perfect balance of heat.

As I accepted my trophy, I couldn't help but think back to that fateful day in Mrs. Jenkins' kitchen, where I first tasted her delicious chili. I knew that I had come a long way since then, honing my skills and perfecting the recipe that had become a beloved tradition in my own family.

To this day, I still make my Three-alarm Chili for special occasions and gatherings, always thinking of Mrs. Jenkins and the kindness she showed me by sharing her family recipe. It's a dish that brings people together, warming both body and soul with each fiery spoonful. And as I pass down the recipe to future generations, I know that the legacy of my Three-alarm Chili will continue to live on for years to come.