1880's Chili

[imported_delmonico]

I've got a tongue in cheek "Delmonico's History of Chili" wrote up, but it is on a file in my old coal oil powered word machine, I need to get the files transfered to a up to date format. ;D

But simply Chili con Carne is a Tejas dish not Mexican, they don't claim it, they have their own version with green chili's and pork. What we know as chili started evolving in Tejas, before they changed the j to an x. : This will about duplicate the Texas chili that was so popular with street vendors and hole in the wall chili joints.

First there were no chili powders already made till the 1890's, I use my own mix and make large batches. I add the chili's later then I can control the heat to suit the crowd.

3 parts ground cumin
1 part oregano
1 part ground coriander

I make my chili in well seasoned cast iron, this will work for a 12 inch deep stove top kettle or a 12 inch deep dutch oven for outside.

I take a 5 pound chuck roast and cube it, deer or other game is fine or stew meat. I sear the meat with either a bit of the rendered fat from it or a bit of lard. When the meat is seared I add 2-3 chopped onions and several chopped garlic cloves. I simmer thouse till soft, but not browned and then simmer 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the spice mix and what dried crushed chili's I choose to add. I use a mix, remember small and thin tend to be hotter than fat ones. A mix gives it a blend of flavor

When well simmered I add a #10 can of crushed tomatoes. (This is the really big can, about 6 pounds) I then let it simmer for several hours till the meat starts to fall apart. Taste it from time to time and add more chili if needed and any salt desired. Use Kosher or other un-iodized salt when cooking with cast iron. Well seasoned cast iron will work fine despite what some will say.

[BudGirl8]

You have wonderful timing...thanks for the recipe. I'm headed to the grocery store tonight so I'll have to make some of this! Chili and corn bread...yummo!!

[imported_delmonico]

Thank You.

[WeHeartLabs]

My son told me to come here and make Glen's chili...lol! You have fans, del! Copying the recipe and will give it a try next week. I love chili in winter. Perfect comfort food.