Carolyn’s Texas Chili: A Spicy Texan Classic
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Welcome to a true Texan classic, straight from the heart of the Lone Star State! This chili is packed with bold flavors and a spicy kick that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. As a proud Texan, I’ve crafted this recipe to embody the rich, hearty essence of traditional Texas chili—sans beans, as per the authentic style. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a lively cook-off, this chili is guaranteed to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 6 cups diced onion (approximately 2 large onions)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 6 cloves)
- 1 pound ground beef (or your choice of meat, like bison or pork)
- 4 cups tomato sauce
- 16 ounces diced tomatoes with their juice (1 can)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 4 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 2 tablespoons masa harina (optional for thickening)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Oil: Begin by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-low heat. The oil is ready when it shimmers slightly.
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Toast the Spices: Add the ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder to the hot oil. Stir the mixture continuously for about 2 minutes. This step helps release the essential oils and intensify the flavors of the spices.
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Cook the Aromatics and Meat: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions become translucent and soft, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, add the ground beef (or your chosen meat) to the pot. Cook and stir until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
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Drain the Fat: If there’s excess fat in the pot, carefully drain it off to ensure your chili is not overly greasy.
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Combine Ingredients: Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with juice, beef broth, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly.
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Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the chili to simmer for at least an hour. For deeper flavors, you can let it simmer longer. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld together.
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Thicken if Needed: If you prefer a thicker chili, prepare a masa harina mixture by combining 1/2 cup masa harina with a bit of beef broth or water to form a smooth, pourable consistency. Stir this mixture into the simmering chili. Continue to cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
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Final Adjustments: After the final cooking period, taste your chili to ensure it has the right balance of flavors and the desired thickness. Add more masa mixture if you’d like it thicker or more spices if needed.
This chili is a fantastic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with cornbread or over a bed of rice. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a hearty meal, Carolyn’s Texas Chili will deliver a robust and satisfying experience. Enjoy this taste of Texas, and remember, the heart of great chili lies in its deep, smoky flavors and just the right amount of heat! 🌶️🍲
