National Chili Day 2021: 7 Facts About One Of America's Favorite Comfort Foods

ibtimes ^ | 2/25/2021

[mylife]

National Chili Day is celebrated every fourth Thursday in the month of February and it's the perfect time for chili lovers all over the country to enjoy their favorite dish.

Chili is certainly one of America's favorites, whether as a winter dish or comfort food. Although its basic ingredients include tomatoes, beans, chili peppers, garlic and onions, many families have their own, unique version of the dish that features other ingredients.

To celebrate the occasion, let's have a look at some trivia about chili, courtesy of National Today, National Day Calendar and National Chili Day:

Texas loves chili so much that it's actually the state's official dish. According to National Day Calendar, it was in 1977 when the 65th Texas Legislature made it official. Chili is more than just comfort food. In fact, it is quite healthy. According to National Chili Day, a green chili pod can contain as much vitamin C as six oranges. What's more, hot chili peppers can help burn calories by speeding up the metabolism through the thermodynamic burn. A survey conducted by National Today found just how much Americans like chili. Among 1,000 people who participated in the survey, 68% said they love chili, while 27% said that they like it. Only 4% noted their dislike of the dish, while only 1% said that they actually hate it. In the same survey, cheese was found to be the most preferred chili topping. This is followed by crackers and cornbread, which both got 15%. They were followed by sour cream and tortilla chips. There have been many chili cooking competitions through the years, but the first one was held in 1967 in Terlingua, Texas. According to National Chili Day, the contest ended in a tie between a New Yorker and a native Texan.

[smokingfrog]

Could be, ... you meathead!

[PUGACHEV]

There is a local restaurant which serves half a dozen varieties of chili, including Cincinnati style, which itself comes in at least five different versions, three-way, four-way, five-way, and etc. But, I think everyone remembers one chili as their favorite, to which all others are compared throughout life. My best chili was made by a Greek cook who ran a woebegone greasy spoon outside a naval base in the ‘60s. It was vaguely like Wendy’s chili, but infinitely better.

[smokingfrog]

I know that story is fake because vegetarian chili would never be allowed in a TX Chili cook-off.

[Freedom56v2]

I use 5-7 types of chilis in mine, only 2 are for heat, the rest are for flavor, I use cubed chuck, ground chuck and real fresh made pork chorizo.

NO BEANS!!

---

What are the peppers you using for flavor (not heat)?

I am ordering my 2021 garden seeds & want to add some new :)

[Species8472]

Texas chili was brought over from the old country by German immigrants as Goulash Soup. A broth of red meat, and vegetables seasoned with paprika and other spices!

[doragsda]

It’s really hard to find anything decent already made. In my opinion, the best pre-made is found in the freezer section and it’s called Dolores Chili Brick. I like to use it for chili dogs. It’s make with beef hearts, so has a very beefy flavor.

In general, I just make my own, but I try to keep a couple of bricks in my freezer.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

Bernal Diaz (THE CONQUEST OF MEXICO) often wondered if they had accidentally eaten people when they were fed by the Aztecs.

[Ruy Dias de Bivar]

I believe that was an old gag from Laugh In.

Much like “It might be rice wine to you, but it is Saki-to-me.”

[Little Ray]

Entirely possible. They Aztecs would have fed the godlike invaders the very best...

[AlexisHeavyMetal1981]

Yeah, Baby !!! Tommy’s Burgers. I think me and the Mrs. will go get some tonight. There is a brand new one around the corner from us. La Habra on Beach and Imperial. We used to take our boys when they were little to original on Beverly and Rampart.

[Slyfox]

Funny as hell!!

[mylife]

Greek chili is damn good, I still get it on chili dogs here

[mylife]

go to a Mexican market and learn about dried chilis

[Liz]

NO BEANS!!

Some chili fanatics even hold the tomatoes......a Texas chili parlor put up a sign, "We dont hold with tomatoes."

[Liz]

I l-o-v-e that piece......it’s a must-read on any chili thread.

[mylife]

https://www.epicurious.com/ingredients/types-of-dried-chiles-how-to-buy-and-store-article

[newfreep]

Best Canned Chilies of 2021 – New List

https://gringalicious.com/best-canned-chili/

1. Wolf Brand Lean Beef Chili
2. Amy’s Organic Spicy Chili
3. Hormel Chili
4. Wolf Brand Chili with Beans
5. Hormel Chili With No Beans
6. Joan of Arc Spicy Chili
7. Armour Star Chili
8. Stagg Chili Steakhouse
9. Campbell’s Chunky Chili
10. Skyline Canned Chili

[mylife]

Awww ya gotta have maters and onions.

[mylife]

Awww ya gotta have maters and onions.

[Liz]

Slow Cooker Steak Chili

ING ¼ cup chili powder, 2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons oregano 3 bay leaves 2 teaspoons brown sugar 4lbs steak (cut into 1 inch cubes) 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 2 ½ tablespoons kosher salt 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 4 cups chopped onions 1½ cups chopped celery 6 garlic cloves (chopped) 2 jalapeno peppers (seeded and chopped) 1 ½ cups beef stock 2 tablespoons tomato paste 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes,1 ounce semisweet chocolate chips 3 tablespoons masa harina (corn flour) 2 cups water ½ cup chopped cilantro ½ cup chopped parsley

PREP Mix combine chili powder, cumin seeds, cayenne, cinnamon, oregano, bay leaves, br/sugar; set aside.

METHOD S/p beef cubes. Heat oil in a large deep skillet over high heat. Add about 1/3 cup of the beef mixture to the skillet and cook until browned. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker. Repeat with remaining beef, in batches if needed. Add more oil in between batches if necessary. Once the beef has finished cooking, add the onion, celery and tbl salt to the skillet; cook/stir til vegetables begin to soften (about 2 minutes). Add garlic, jalapeños, spice mixture; cook for another minute.

Stir in the beef stock, tomato paste, and crushed tomatoes and simmer for 3 minutes. Stir in the chocolate chips, masa harina, and 2 pinches of salt and cook for an additional minute. Transfer in slow cooker w/ beef; stir in water. Cover; cook on high 6 hours, stirring 1-2 til beef is tender. Toss bay leaves; stir in cilantro and parsley.

SERVE Topped w/ grated Cheddar, sour cream and chp scallions.