Its THAT TIME of the week again, yall–Friday! Chili Fights in the Heights, our favorite chili-centric foodie brawl, returns to our little stretch of the Heights tomorrow, October 4th. We cant wait to taste the amazing takes on this quintessential fall dish.
This weeks Friday Five is comprised of 5 Essentials for the Perfect Pot of Chili–amateur chili cooks and the seasoned chili connoisseur will all agree these are must-haves!
Dutch Oven: A Dutch oven is a large, heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid, typically made of cast iron or enamel-coated cast iron. This type of pot is great for cooking chili because it distributes heat evenly and retains heat well.
A good pot
What type of pot should you use? Thats up to you, but here are three of our preferred options, each a little different, but after the same goal: a perfect pot of chili.
Enameled cast iron French ovens from Le Creuset are practically heirlooms out of the box. They transfer seamlessly from oven to stove to table and look darn good while theyre doing it. We use ours for, well, pretty much everything, including chili!
A stainless, tri-ply stock pot (like this one from All-Clad) allows us to use a low, evenly distributed heat to simmer our chili until its just right. We arent worried about hot-spots: its a jam! Sometimes, though, we just feel like setting and forgetting. An electric slow cooker allows us to do just that, and
The best seasonings
Maybe you make your own chili spice blend. Maybe you dont. If youre not feeling like a kitchen chemist, why not try an Arkansas-made seasoning like Ferneaus Signature blend or Woodys BBQ Rub, both of which will add great (though very different) flavor to your next batch!
The Ultimate Guide to Perfecting Your Homemade Chili
FAQ
What kind of pot should I cook chili in?
Can you cook chili in a stainless steel pot?
Is Chilli better in crockpot or stove?
Is chili better on stove or instant pot?
What is the best pot for cooking chili?
The best pot for cooking chili should be deep, have a large capacity and is ideally non-stick with a sturdy handle. Pots should be made with durable materials. Options with lids are also a good idea. The good news is that you can choose from a variety of options.
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.
How to choose a chili pot?
It is fine if the handles are made of something softer like rubber. A pot with a heavy bottom is the perfect solution for chili overall! As you are picking out your new chili pot, you will naturally want to consider the size. In case you’ve never made chili before, we definitely recommend a sizable pot for this function!
What are the different types of chili pots?
There are many types of materials used in the making of a chili pot, and each has its upsides and downsides. Stainless steel pots are durable, but they can be heavy. Aluminum pots are lightweight but may bend under extreme heat. Glass pots are fragile but can withstand high temperatures.