Mouthwatering Christmas Chili for the Whole Family!
Spice Up Your Holidays with the Ultimate Chili Con Carne
When the holiday chill sets in, there’s no better way to gather everyone around the table than with a bowl of bold, smoky, and savory chili con carne. This isn’t just any chili—it’s your secret weapon, powered by your signature chili dry blend.
Prepare to dazzle taste buds, whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just curling up with a hearty bowl after a snow-filled day. But before we dive into the recipe, let’s savor the spicy story behind this iconic dish.
The Origins of Chili Con Carne: A Tale as Bold as Its Flavor
• A Dish Born in the Wild West: Chili con carne, meaning “chili with meat,” first made its mark in Texas. Its roots are entwined with Spanish settlers in the early 1700s, who are said to have crafted a similar dish while blending Old World spices with New World ingredients.
• The Rise of the Chili Queens: In the 1800s, the “Chili Queens” of San Antonio turned this humble dish into a culinary sensation, selling bowls of fiery stew in the city’s plazas. Their tantalizing recipes lured visitors from across the country.
• Chili Today: From bean-free Texas-style to variations loaded with vegetables and toppings, chili remains a cultural phenomenon. It’s a dish that transforms with the times while staying true to its roots.
The Recipe: Your Signature Chili Con Carne
With your chili dry blend at its core, every bite is layered with robust flavor and undeniable heat.
Ingredients:
• 1 pack of Arts N’ Blends’ Chili Mix
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2-3 tablespoons of your chili dry blend (to taste)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or green onions for topping
How to Make It:
1. Heat a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onions and bell peppers until fragrant and softened. Toss in the garlic, letting it mingle with the veggies for a minute.
2. Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart as it browns. Drain excess fat to keep the flavors sharp.
3. Stir in your chili dry blend. Let the spices bloom in the heat, infusing the beef with smoky, aromatic intensity.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir until well combined, then bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes.
5. Toss in the kidney beans and simmer for 10 more minutes. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and get ready for the grand finale.
6. Serve it piping hot, garnished with your favorite toppings. Each bite is a bold celebration of flavor.
Why Chili Is the Perfect Holiday Dish
• Make It Ahead: Chili only gets better with time, so whip up a batch early and let the flavors meld.
• Endlessly Adaptable: Prefer it fiery? Add jalapeños. Want more veggies? Toss in corn or zucchini. It’s your chili—own it.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Whether for a potluck or a quiet family meal, chili is the dish that brings everyone together.
This holiday season, let your chili con carne be more than a meal—make it a memory. With its rich history, bold flavors, and your unique twist, it’s a dish destined to be the talk of your celebrations.
Grab your chili dry blend, and make magic happen.
