Pedernales River Chili 🌶️

Description:

Indulge in the rich heritage of Tex-Mex cuisine with this delightful recipe straight from the heart of Texas. Originating from the renowned “Chili-Lovers’ Cook Book,” this Pedernales River Chili is a cherished gem sourced from none other than Mrs. Lyndon B. Johnson of Stonewall, Texas. 📚✨

Recipe Information:

Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Servings: 10
Rating: ⭐ 4.5
Calories per Serving: 259.1
Nutritional Information per Serving:
- Fat: 7.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Cholesterol: 103.4mg
- Sodium: 159.6mg
- Carbohydrates: 4.2g
- Fiber: 1.2g
- Sugar: 1.7g
- Protein: 42.1g

Keywords:

Meat, Tex Mex, Southwestern U.S., Very Low Carbs, Healthy, Kid Friendly, Kosher, Potluck, Spicy, Weeknight, Beginner Cook, Stove Top, < 4 Hours, Easy, Inexpensive

Ingredients:

4 onions
1 garlic clove
2 tsp ground oregano
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tbsp chili powder
6 cups canned whole tomatoes
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 to 6 cups hot water (adjust as desired)

Instructions:

Prepare Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onions and mincing the garlic clove.
Cook Meat: In a large, heavy frying pan or Dutch oven, combine the chopped onions, minced garlic, and the ground meat of your choice. Cook over medium heat until the meat is lightly browned and the onions are translucent, releasing their aromatic flavors into the mix.
Seasoning: Once the meat is cooked through, sprinkle in the ground oregano, cumin seeds, and chili powder. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed, infusing the dish with their distinctive Tex-Mex essence.
Tomato Tango: Pour in the canned whole tomatoes, breaking them apart with a spoon as you add them to the pot. These tomatoes bring a burst of tangy sweetness to the chili, balancing out the robust flavors of the spices.
Flavor Balance: Season the chili with salt to taste, enhancing its depth of flavor and bringing all the elements together harmoniously.
Simmer: Bring the chili to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 1 hour. During this time, the flavors will meld together beautifully, creating a rich and hearty chili that’s perfect for ladling over bowls of steaming rice or serving with warm cornbread.
Skim Off Fat: Throughout the simmering process, periodically skim off any excess fat that rises to the surface of the chili, ensuring that each spoonful is as lean and flavorful as possible.
Serve: Once the chili has simmered to perfection, ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings, such as grated cheese, chopped cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream. Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting warmth of this classic Tex-Mex dish, reminiscent of cozy gatherings and cherished family recipes passed down through generations.

Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or a festive potluck gathering, this Pedernales River Chili is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, inviting everyone to savor the vibrant flavors and rich culinary heritage of the Southwestern U.S. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and let the aroma of simmering chili fill your kitchen with warmth and cheer. Cheers to good food, good company, and the timeless joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones! 🍲🌟