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The Essentials Of An American Classic: Chili

Chili.
Chili.

You need three key ingredients for a proper chilli dish: meat, beer, and of course, chilli peppers. Our Food Guys, Jon Jackson and Greg Patent are passionate that Chili powder IS NOT CHILI.

Chunks of meat, beer and fresh ingredients are essential for a good chili. Chili powder is not chili folks! So don't go to the grocery store and buy a pack of powder when you can easily make a great chili by using fresh peppers! "The Food Guys" explain how.

There are various chili peppers, all ranging in spice intensity. Whichever you choose, take the seeds out, chop up the peppers and sauté them. Five to six chilis is not too much, depending how spicy you like it.

Then, add meat, which should be cut into one-inch chunks (we suggest lamb or pork). Let the meat brown. Add beans, tomatos, beer, and always toast your cumin! (3-4 tablespoons in a stove or pan in the oven). Feel free to add some turmeric and paprika too. Cook for a good long time until the meat is tender. Then voila! you have a go-to one dish meal.

So again,what you need for chili:

-Meat (your choice)

-Chili peppers (no powder please)

-Beer

-Beans

-Tomatos

-Cumin

-Optional spices: turmeric and paprika.

Listen in now for more tips from "The Food Guys."

(Broadcast: "The Food Guys," 07/08/18. Listen weekly on the radio at 11:50 a.m. Sundays, or via podcast.)

Copyright 2020 Montana Public Radio. To see more, visit Montana Public Radio.

Greg Patent is co-host of The Food Guys on Montana Public Radio. He won the Pillsbury bake-off when he was 19 years old. His cookbook, Baking in America, won the 2003 James Beard Award for best baking book of the year.
Jon Jackson is co-host of The Food Guys and a frequent guest on Jazz Sessions at Montana Public Radio. He is a mystery writer and jazz music expert with a passion for great food.