Chili did not originate in Mexico, as many believe. It is actually a standard American dish whose roots can be traced to Texas. The basic ingredients are seasoned beef, beans and a spicy tomato sauce. Chili gets its flavor from chili powder, which is a combination of ground chili peppers, cumin, oregano, garlic and salt. Today there are many variations of chili including vegetarian, seafood and three bean. Soul food chili is more robust than it is hot and spicy. Though soul food is notorious for its fat and high sodium content, the flavor and spices of this recipe make it a healthy choice.
Step 1
Pour the vegetable oil into a saucepan, and place it on a burner set to medium heat.
Step 2
Add the ground beef, onion and green pepper, and cook, stirring often, until the beef is browned.
Step 3
Drain the fat from the pan into a glass bowl, using a colander. Move the meat into a large pot.
Step 4
Season the meat with the chili powder, cumin, thyme, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed together.
Step 5
Pour the kidney beans into a colander to separate water from beans. Add the kidney beans and stewed the tomatoes to pot and cover. Do not drain the stewed tomatoes. Cook for about 20 minutes over low heat, stirring often.
Tips and Warnings
- Top your soul food chili with cheese and serve with crackers. Include chili peppers for a spicier version. Substituting turkey for ground beef will not affect the taste and will reduce fat.
Things You'll Need
- 1 tsp. vegetable oil
- Medium saucepan
- 1 lb. lean ground beef
- 1 peeled onion, diced
- 1 seeded green bell pepper, diced
- Glass bowl
- Colander
- Stock pot
- 1 tbsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. thyme
- 1 tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 2 15-oz. cans kidney beans
- 2 10-oz. cans stewed tomatoes
References
- Soul Food and Southern Cooking: Hearty Homemade Beef Chili Recipe
- "Southern Soul Food: Mom's Favorite Family Recipes"; William J. Middleton; 2008
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