Texas is known for doing things its own way — and usually bigger and better, if you ask a Texan. Texas chili is no exception, and the state has a long history and its own unique method for whipping up the staple dish, according to National Geographic.
Texans claim their state is actually the birthplace of chili, and that all other variations (looking at you, Cincinnati) came sometime afterwards. Even though the true origins of chili are probably lost to history, its true that Texans do love the dish — so much so, in fact, that chili is the official state dish (via State Symbols USA).
Even in Texas, there is no one official recipe for chili. Its a personal dish, open to interpretation across communities and households. But there is one major ground rule. The main distinction between regular chili and Texas chili comes down to the beans, says The Daily Meal. You wont ever find beans in a true, Texas-style bowl of red. In fact, the official rules of the International Chili Cookoff prohibit the ingredient for the Traditional Red category.
What primarily distinguishes Texas chili from other chili recipes you might find is a lack of beans, but it also doesn’t feature any tomatoes. It is, largely, a ground beef dish that’s seasoned with a spicy chili paste made of dried peppers.
So, what is in a traditional bowl of red?
When it comes to chili, NPR says that Texans like to keep things simple. According to Texas Monthly, the heart of Texas chili is in the meat, usually beef, and the peppers. Ground or cubed beef shoulder (pork and venison are sometimes used, as well) is cooked down in dried chilis (or chili powder) and other herbs and spices, including cumin, onions and garlic. The end result is a thick, spicy stew with a bold red color, which is where the name bowl of red comes from.
While beans are universally rejected in Texas chili, tomatoes are a little more up for debate (via TexasHillCountry.com). Historically, tomatoes werent heavily used in Texas chili because they were as readily available in the region and spoiled quickly. But today, many modern Texas chili recipes call for at least some tomato paste or canned tomatoes (via Texas Monthly). Additionally, newer recipes have introduced an array of supplementary ingredients, like coriander, chicken stock, beer, and sometimes chocolate, says Southern Living.
Texas Chili & The Chili Queens of San Antonio
FAQ
Why is it called Texas chili?
What is real Texas chili made of?
What is the difference between Tex-Mex chili and regular chili?
What is the difference between Texas chili and Cincinnati chili?
What’s the difference between Texas chili and regular chili?
But there is one major ground rule. The main distinction between regular chili and Texas chili comes down to the beans, says The Daily Meal. You won’t ever find beans in a true, Texas-style bowl of red. In fact, the official rules of the International Chili Cookoff prohibit the ingredient for the Traditional Red category.
What is the best substitute for chili powder?
Chili powders are usually a combination of garlic, salt, ground chilies, and cumin. For those who cannot eat chili peppers or need a substitute for a recipe, a homemade spice blend is a good option. For example, garlic powder, salt, black pepper for the spicy kick, and cumin. Some people cannot consume peppers because of a nightshade allergy. Making spice blends at home can help minimize the possible cross contamination and give the individual more control over the flavor of their blend.
What is the difference between Mexican and Texan chili?
Mexican or Texan? Some chili differences The Mexican version is surely the oldest, and requires only chili peppers, meat, and tomato to be a true chili con carne (beans, cumin and other staples are optional later additions).
Does Texas have chili?
Texas is known for doing things its own way — and usually bigger and better, if you ask a Texan. Texas chili is no exception, and the state has a long history and its own unique method for whipping up the staple dish, according to National Geographic.