does anyone else here have a favorite chili recipe they would care to share?
Are there any requirements? Restrictions?
Is a "true" chili cook-off? Just a "bowl of red"? -No beans, no tomatoes, etc.
I don't think there are any rules except it must be homemade
Most of the chili's I've made have been "dump" affairs.
I usually...
Dump some meat into a Dutch oven (or heavy-bottomed pot) - ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, cubed beef, cubed chicken, etc. Add a tablespoon or so of oil to help with the browning.
Then dump in some onions and garlic that you have chopped up.
Then add some cumin, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper. -And cayenne, red chili flakes, chopped fresh jalapenos, etc., if so desired.
Stir and cook that all up until the onions soften.
Then add a big can of diced tomatoes. -Yes, tomatoes. Add some water if it looks like it needs it.
Then add a can or two of beans: kidney, black beans, pinto beans, etc. -Yes, beans.
Then let it simmer until it starts to thicken up a bit.
*And, a secret I learned from a chili cook-off champ: always add a little bit more cumin and chili powder towards the end. The "fresh" spices add another layer of flavor.
**Also remember that chili always tastes better the next day. Make a batch, eat some of it if you wish, then refrigerate the rest. Reheat it gently when it comes to serve it.