Chasen’s Chili, a renowned recipe once featured in the “Arizona Republic” newspaper upon the closure of Chasen’s, a historic Hollywood hotspot, holds a legendary status not just for its flavor but for its association with celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor, who had it shipped to her movie sets abroad. This Southwestern U.S.-inspired chili is perfect for weeknight dinners, prepared entirely on the stove top in under 4 hours, making it a convenient yet hearty dish.
Ingredients
The ingredients for Chasen’s Chili include:
- 1 1/4 cups pinto beans
- 3 cups water (for cooking beans)
- 5 cups canned tomatoes
- 2 onions
- 4 green peppers
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 1/2 cup butter
- 4 pounds ground beef
- 3 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ground cumin
Nutritional Information
Per serving, Chasen’s Chili provides approximately:
- Calories: 1864.9
- Fat: 124.2g
- Saturated Fat: 52.6g
- Cholesterol: 441.1mg
- Sodium: 1576.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 78.4g
- Fiber: 25.8g
- Sugar: 25.3g
- Protein: 116.2g
Instructions
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
-
Prepare the Beans:
- Start by cooking the pinto beans in a saucepan with enough water to cover, until they are tender. This typically takes about an hour, so it’s good to start this early in the process.
-
Saute Vegetables:
- In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and green peppers, cooking until the onions turn translucent and the peppers are tender. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and chopped parsley to the skillet, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Set aside.
-
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large pot, heat oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 25 minutes, stirring frequently to break up any lumps and ensuring it browns evenly.
-
Seasoning the Beef:
- About halfway through cooking the beef, sprinkle in the chili powder and ground cumin. Stir well to incorporate the spices evenly into the meat.
-
Combine Ingredients:
- Once the beef is fully cooked and browned, add the sauteed onions, peppers, garlic, and parsley mixture to the pot.
- Pour in the canned tomatoes (crushed or diced), along with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
-
Simmering:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer gently for about 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure flavors meld together.
-
Adding Beans:
- After an hour, add the cooked pinto beans and any remaining water used for cooking them into the pot. Continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to further develop.
-
Final Touches:
- Before serving, skim off any excess fat that may have risen to the top of the chili.
- Serve hot, garnished with optional toppings such as sour cream, chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and accompanied by crackers or cornbread.
Serving and Enjoying
Chasen’s Chili yields about 3 quarts of hearty, flavorful chili, perfect for sharing with family and friends. This recipe not only satisfies the palate with its rich, meaty texture and robust blend of spices but also carries with it a taste of Hollywood history. It’s a comforting dish that can be enjoyed year-round, bringing a taste of the Southwestern U.S. right into your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking to recreate a bit of Hollywood glamour or simply craving a satisfying bowl of chili, Chasen’s Chili promises to deliver a memorable dining experience, just as it did for Hollywood’s elite and beyond.
