Nothing warms you up better on a cold winter day than a big bowl of thick chili.
This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for dinner and is sure to become a family favorite.
With its bold flavors and hearty ingredients, your family will love this delicious dish!
Keep reading to learn how to make the best thick chili ever!
What is Chili?
Chili is a classic dish enjoyed around the world. It’s a hearty, spicy stew typically made with tomatoes and beans as well as an array of spices and other flavorings.
It’s a popular dish because of its versatility; chili can be customized to any tastes, and it’s easy to make large batches for feeding the whole family.
Chili is particularly popular during cold winter months because it’s such a warm and comforting meal.
This article provides an easy-to-follow recipe for a delicious thick chili that is sure to become a family favorite. It includes all of the necessary ingredients and instructions for making the perfect bowl of chili, as well as tips for customizing it to suit your own tastes.
By following this recipe, you’ll be able to make a hearty, flavor-packed meal that will warm you up on those chilly days.
Ingredients
List of ingredients needed for the recipe
For this thick chili recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 jalapenos, diced (optional)
2 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
1 (14.5 ounce) can of diced tomatoes
2 (15 ounce) cans of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 tablespoon of chili powder
2 teaspoons of cumin
1 teaspoon of oregano
The function of each ingredient
Extra virgin olive oil is used to sauté the onion and garlic before adding the other ingredients to the pot, giving the chili a rich, flavorful base.
The onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapenos add sweetness and spice to the chili.
The vegetable or chicken broth adds liquid for simmering the chili and helps to create a thick stew-like consistency.
The diced tomatoes provide a slight acidity and sweetness to the chili.
The black beans and red kidney beans add protein and texture to the dish, while the chili powder, cumin, and oregano give it its signature flavor.
Preparation
Step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the chili
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is tender.
2. Add the bell pepper and jalapenos (if using) to the pot and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. tomatoes, black beans, and red kidney beans.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Add the chili powder, cumin, and oregano and stir to combine.
5. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Tips on how to enhance the flavor and texture of the chili
- To enhance the flavor and texture of your chili, try adding some additional ingredients.
- For a smokier flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- To give the chili more depth and richness, stir in a can of tomato paste before simmering. If you like it spicy, add some diced jalapenos before simmering.
- For a thicker chili, stir in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water.
- Finally, for more texture and flavor, top your chili with chopped fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sliced scallions, sour cream, and/or diced avocado just before serving.
Variations
This thick chili recipe is incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors.
If you’re looking for a heartier chili, try adding some diced sweet potatoes or ground beef.
For a vegan-friendly chili, substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the ground beef. You can also use any type of beans you like; pinto beans, white beans, and even chickpeas work well in this recipe.
Finally, if you’re looking for a more traditional chili flavor, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder for a subtle chocolate note.
Ideas for how to personalize the recipe to suit individual tastes
The great thing about this thick chili recipe is that it can be easily personalized to suit individual tastes.
If you like a little extra kick, feel free to add more jalapeno peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder and cumin and omit the jalapenos.
For an extra layer of flavor, try stirring in a tablespoon of cocoa powder or Worcestershire sauce.
Finally, for a more traditional chili flavor, add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. No matter how you customize this recipe, it’s sure to be delicious!
Serving Suggestions
Suggestions for how to serve and complement the thick chili
The thick chili recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as is or served with a variety of accompaniments.
To complete the meal, serve it with a side of rice or tortillas for scooping up all the flavorful goodness. For added crunch and flavor, top your chili with some shredded cheese, diced red onion, sour cream, and/or avocados.
If you’re feeling adventurous, mix some diced bacon or chorizo into the chili for a rich and smoky flavor. Finally, serve the chili with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of lime juice to brighten up the dish and add a refreshing note. Enjoy!
Ideas for sides and garnishes to make the dish complete
To make the thick chili complete, add some delicious sides and garnishes to enhance the flavor and texture.
For a refreshing accompaniment, serve with a platter of diced avocado, sliced scallions, cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheese.
If you want something more substantial, try serving the chili over a bed of rice. Or for a heartier dish, prepare some warm cornbread to go alongside the chili.
Finally, add a touch of heat by sprinkling some sliced jalapenos or diced red onion on top. With these sides and garnishes, your chili will be truly irresistible!
Health Benefits
Thick chili is a delicious and nutritious meal that provides numerous health benefits. The main ingredient, beans, is an excellent source of dietary fiber and protein which helps keep you feeling full for longer and aids in digestion.
The tomatoes provide a boost of vitamins A and C, as well as lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to reduced risk of certain types of cancer.
Conclusion
This article provided a thick chili recipe that is incredibly versatile and easy to personalize to individual tastes. It also included ideas for garnishes and sides, as well as discussion of the health benefits associated with consuming this delicious dish.
Whether you like it spicy or mild, traditional or exotic, this thick chili recipe can be tailored to suit your palate. With its nutritious ingredients and wide array of flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish, this thick chili recipe is the perfect choice. The best part is that it’s incredibly versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique version. Add extra spice by incorporating jalapenos or cayenne pepper, or add sweetness with some diced sweet potatoes or cocoa powder. You can also switch up the toppings to keep things interesting.
So, don’t hesitate, give this thick chili recipe a try and get creative in the kitchen!