Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family. This hearty dish combines savory ground beef and chicken with a blend of spices that create a rich, flavorful experience. Whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this chili is sure to impress everyone at the table. Its unique combination of ingredients, including chocolate for depth and masa harina for thickness, sets it apart from typical chili recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The blend of spices and the addition of chocolate create a complex and satisfying taste.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or served over rice, in tacos, or alongside cornbread.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep or leftovers.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for parties or family gatherings; it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To make Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe, having the right kitchen tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board

Why These Tools Matter

• Large dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot: Ideal for simmering chili evenly without burning.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients without scratching your cookware.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for quickly chopping vegetables and meat with precision.

Ingredients

For the 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 Meat

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1 lb ground chicken

For the Vegetables and Beans

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

For Thickening and Flavor

• 2 tablespoons masa harina
• 2 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate

How to Make Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients together. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and measure out your spices to ensure everything is ready to go.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add in the diced onion and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they are translucent.

Step 3: Add Spices

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook while stirring constantly for 1 minute to awaken the flavors.

Step 4: Incorporate Garlic

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Cook the Meat

Add both ground beef and ground chicken to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high. Use your wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces while cooking until fully browned.

Step 6: Combine Tomatoes and Beans

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

Step 7: Simmer

Let your chili simmer uncovered for 90-120 minutes. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Final Touches

After simmering, remove bay leaves from the pot. Stir in masa harina and chocolate. Let it cook for another 5-10 minutes until everything is well combined.

Enjoy your delicious Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe! Serve it hot with your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream if desired.

How to Serve Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Serving Mom’s Award-Winning Chili is a delightful experience that can be tailored to your personal taste. This hearty dish pairs well with various accompaniments, enhancing its rich flavors and satisfying texture.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for a creamy contrast.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, tangy flavor that balances the spice.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions provide a crunchy texture and vibrant color.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings an herbaceous note that brightens the chili.

Serving Styles

• In a Bowl: Serve the chili in deep bowls for a comforting, traditional presentation.
• Over Rice: Ladle the chili over a bed of rice for a filling meal that soaks up the flavors.
• In Tacos: Use soft or hard taco shells filled with chili for a fun twist on classic tacos.
• With Cornbread: Pairing chili with warm cornbread creates a perfect match of flavors and textures.

How to Perfect Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Perfecting this chili recipe is all about attention to detail and personal touches. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices enhance flavor and aroma. Consider using whole spices when possible and grinding them as needed.
• Adjust Heat Levels: Customize the heat by adding more chili powder or fresh peppers according to your preference.
• Simmer Longer: For deeper flavors, let the chili simmer longer. The more time it has, the better the taste develops.
• Experiment with Beans: While pinto beans are great, try adding black beans or kidney beans for varied textures and flavors.

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

Pairing side dishes with Mom’s Award-Winning Chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly.
2. Rice: Serve fluffy white or brown rice as a base to soak up every delicious drop of chili.
3. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips make for an excellent scoopable side and add texture.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the chili.
5. Coleslaw: A light coleslaw adds crunch and balances richness with its acidity.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over baked potatoes for heartiness; top with cheese and sour cream if desired.
7. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add a smoky flavor that pairs well with chili’s warmth.
8. Salad: A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides freshness to complement your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Overcooking the onions: Cooking the onions too long can lead to a burnt flavor. Sauté them just until they are translucent for the best taste.
• Skipping the spices: Fresh spices enhance the chili’s flavor. Always measure and add them correctly; don’t skip or reduce their amounts.
• Not browning the meat properly: If you don’t brown the beef and chicken adequately, you’ll miss out on rich flavors. Make sure to cook them until fully browned before adding other ingredients.
• Ignoring the simmer time: Simmering is crucial for flavor development. Don’t rush this step; allow at least 90 minutes for the chili to develop its full flavor profile.
• Forgetting to adjust seasoning: Tastes can vary with different ingredients. Always taste your chili before serving and adjust salt and spices as needed.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 30-40 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through (about 10-15 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

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

This recipe combines ground beef and chicken with a blend of spices that create a rich and satisfying flavor. The addition of chocolate enhances depth without overwhelming sweetness.

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

Absolutely! You can add more beans, different vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or adjust spices according to your taste preference.

How do I thicken Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe?

If you prefer a thicker chili, increase the amount of masa harina or let it simmer longer without a lid. This will help reduce excess liquid.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Simply substitute the meats with lentils or additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of water for cooking.

Conclusion

Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or at a gathering with friends, this recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate—give it a try!

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