Dad's Chili Recipe

Cook Time: 80 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 pound ground pork
• cup butter
• 2 cloves garlic, diced
• 1 pound green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 pounds onion, chopped
• 2 (15 ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• 5 cups canned diced tomatoes with their juice
• cup chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chili powder, or more to taste
• 1 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoons monosodium glutamate (such as Ac'cent)
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 teaspoons ground cumin

Directions

Step 1: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and ground pork, stirring frequently until the meat is crumbly, browned evenly, and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease, then set the meat aside.

Step 2: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the diced garlic, chopped bell pepper, and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions have softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add the cooked meat back into the skillet, along with the pinto beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), parsley, chili powder, black pepper, monosodium glutamate, salt, and cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 4: Cover the skillet and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	415
Total Fat	26g	33%
Saturated Fat	12g	58%
Cholesterol	104mg	35%
Sodium	1079mg	47%
Total Carbohydrate	20g	7%
Dietary Fiber	6g	20%
Total Sugars	6g
Protein	27g	54%
Vitamin C	49mg	54%
Calcium	96mg	7%
Iron	5mg	25%
Potassium	795mg	17%

Origin and History

Chili has long been a beloved comfort food in the United States, and like many great dishes, its exact origins are difficult to pinpoint. Dad's Chili, however, is a variation passed down through generations, encapsulating the warmth and richness of a traditional family recipe. Typically served in homes across America, it is often made in large quantities to feed a crowd, especially during colder months or festive gatherings. This version incorporates both ground beef and pork, which offers a hearty, flavorful base to complement the beans and spices. It's a dish that evokes the essence of family dinners and gatherings.

Regional Variations and Special Touches

Chili recipes vary significantly depending on region. The Texas-style chili, for example, often omits beans and emphasizes pure meat and chili peppers. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati-style chili is famously served over spaghetti. What sets Dad's Chili apart is its combination of meats (beef and pork), which adds a layer of richness not always found in other chili variations. It also includes a hearty dose of beans, making it more filling and accessible for large groups. The addition of cumin, chili powder, and a touch of monosodium glutamate (MSG) elevates the depth of flavor, giving it a distinctive taste that many chili enthusiasts cherish.

How It Differs from Other Chili Dishes

While there are many different ways to make chili, Dads Chili stands out due to its specific combination of meats and spices. Many chili recipes, especially those found in Tex-Mex cuisine, favor only ground beef or chicken as the main protein, but this recipe blends both beef and pork for a more complex flavor profile. Furthermore, the inclusion of MSG, a debated ingredient in modern cooking, is a nod to the original recipe passed down from Dad. Some may opt to leave out MSG for health reasons, but the recipe maintains its balance of flavor without it as well. The use of fresh parsley also gives it a touch of green, which isnt as common in many traditional chili recipes.

Where Its Served

Dads Chili is a dish thats perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even casual get-togethers. It's an ideal dish for serving at potlucks, where its hearty nature can easily feed a large crowd. You can also find it served at home on cozy winter nights, paired with cornbread or crackers. In some regions, chili is a part of larger festive events such as chili cook-offs, where different families and chefs compete to create the most flavorful version of this beloved dish. Whether served in a bowl at a table or ladled onto a plate for a hearty meal, Dads Chili fits comfortably into any occasion.

Interesting Facts

Did you know that the first chili cook-off took place in Texas in the 1950s? The event has since become an annual tradition in many cities, with competitions dedicated to finding the best chili recipe. Another fun fact: while chili is often associated with American cuisine, its origins trace back to Spanish and Mexican influence, where meats and chili peppers were combined to create robust stews. The inclusion of beans in chili, as seen in Dads Chili, is considered controversial by some, especially in Texas, where many argue that authentic chili should never contain beans. However, this ingredient variation makes chili a more accessible and filling dish for all tastes and preferences.

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