Chili: Beans or not?
 

My wife's a fantastic cook, so I don't cook a lot in our house. Essentially, if it's not bbq, lasagna or chili, I'm out of the kitchen.

Now, with the cooler weather finally here, it's time to start making some chili! Typically, I make about 5 lbs at a time, using cubes instead of ground beef. I like fresh peppers instead of dried, but I use what I can get my hands on at the time. Bacon is a key ingredient, I add Vidalia onions for a little sweetness, and beer and tequila are absolute necessities.

Serve it atop some rice with some grated cheese, throw in a few pieces of cornbread, and I'm in heaven!

One thing you'll notice is missing is beans. I don't believe chili should have beans in it (partially because I can't eat beans -- the dry, mushy texture doesn't work for me). My wife likes them, as do our friends who come over to eat with us. I cook them on the side, using a bit of the broth from the chili pot, and they can add as they please.

Your thoughts?

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

NO BEANS!!!

Sounds like youve got a delish dish there bro.

I hate beans also...

I believe (and Im sure somebody will correct me if I am wrong) that competition chili is beanless- meat only (and chunks of meat, not hamburger)

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I can it eat with beans or without. Personally I make mine with beans and ground beef. But I may start trying to make chili with the cubed or chopped beef soon. I had the pleasure of judging a few chili competitions (nothing big, just a few school fundraisers) and I tended to like the chili(s) with different ingredients or flavors like pork, chicken, a hint of barbeque, etc. :dr

That being said, Skyline Chili must be served without beans :tu

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I like beans in my chili, but it's not a requirement. Just don't use the kidney beans out of a can, get some real beans and cook them right. I have been through a number of chili recipes, but found this one a couple of years ago. It uses Ancho and Chipotles that you make into a sauce and then add it to the pot. I like the part about the Huxtables and waiting for the chili to be great.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/fo...M-CHILI-108488

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I prefer my chili to have beans.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I have to agree on the waiting part. It always tastes better as leftovers.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Chili purists will say no beans. I however am not a purist, I like beans and add them along with beef (chunks and ground) fresh peppers and onions, canned and fresh tomatoes, fresh garlic, canned chipotles, salt, pepper, ancho chile powder,a little raw sugar, cumin, oregano, dark cocoa pwdr, cinnamon, and beer. I make a big batch every labor day weekend for my party, don't get any complaints. (except a little grumbling from my wife who also doesn't like beans and just picks them out)

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I do beans... half kidney and half pinto. For meat I use chunks of BBQed brisket. Not to brag or anything... but it is the BOMB!!

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

never thought of adding that.. does it really add to the dish?

I do agree that chili, and most stews, taste better the next day.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I hear that brotha!

And.... I prefer beans as well.
I can do without, but my world famous chili has beans.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Not a chili purist by a long shot here, so I like my chili with lots of beans, served over white rice with shredded cheddar on top.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I prefer without beans but my wife does throw them in there. I also like it hotter than hell. Got a receipe on another forum for a smoked brisket chili, must be gooooooooodd.......

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I vote "Beans"!!

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I'm a bean man myself.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

If it tastes good, I'll eat it without regard to beans.

I have recipes for both ways. The most recent batch had beans, but more often I make it without.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I hate the consistency of beans so I will just eat around them if they are present.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Funny, I'm having chili as I type.

Anyway, chili is not chili if you have no beans.

This is non debatable. :)

Next question.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I use fresh venison and beans.....to each his own, its all good for the most part:tu

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I will eat anything but make mine with beans.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I have two chili recipes I swear by: one with beans, one without. The one with beans also has sirloin tips, andouille and bacon :tu

While up in DC for a meeting not too long ago, I had lunch at the Smithsonian American Indian Museum. They have a very interesting cafe, serving tribal foods from various native cultures (Plains, Woodland, Northwest, South American, etc.) I had buffalo chili, which was great. :dr

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

+1 for Beans. Helps keep things moving too! :ss

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I think that the dark cocoa adds a nice depth of flavor to the dish, it's something you don't use a whole lot of, but it really goes well. Many mexican mole' sauces contain chocolate as well.

On a side note, this thread has inspired me to thaw out a bag of my chili, leftover from labor day, to have for MNF tonight.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I usually just do a pot of pinto's and add my pulled pork or brisket. I really have not made chili, but was thinking of doing the same. Put me in for beans with chili.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

If it's the/a main course, I like it to have beans

if it's a topping (like on a chili dog) then I prefer no beans

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Without Beans!! :ss

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

For hotdogs and hamburgers, no beans.

For stand-alone chili, beans, red or kidney.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

For my chili it's usually with beans (pinto and white). Trying to eat better, so the added beans give me some added fiber I need in my diet.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

That makes perfect sense! I agree completely.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

No beans, ever. As far as beans make is healthier is concerned, I think the 1lbs of cheez I lay on top would need to go before I started to try make chili healthy:) but hey, eat what you like, like what you eat (hey, mmm, where have I heard something similar to that before).

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Beans for me and usually multiple types. The total number of different types (black, kidney, pinto and or navy) depends on the size of the pot.

Just made a large crockpot last night.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I definitely like beans in my chili, but not canned beans.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Texas style is the only way I make mine.....No beans!

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I fall into the "with Beans" category, simply because I like beans in my chili. Always have. Of course, that is for stand alone chili. On hot dogs, strictly bean free!

I generally make mine with a combination of ground Venison and cubed venison. Haven't made it with beef in several years. Actually laid out 2 pounds of venison to thaw for cubing for chili in the next day or two. Mainly use fresh pepper from the garden, but I picked them all a couple of weeks ago to clear the space for turning under for winter. That reminds me, I have to go pull some peppers out of the freezer for the chili.

An additional dimension to this discussion: What do you eat with your chili??

I prefer grilled cheese sandwiches, but will eat with cheese and chips as an alternative. Even been known to eat it without additional sides. But, always with beans.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I vote no beans.
I like beans, just not in chili

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I'll eat it either way. When I make it in my crock pot, I usually throw some in, along with some corn.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Born a Texan, raised a Texan, eat chili like a Texan.

It was originally called chili con carne and it didn't have beans in it. It didn't have bacon in it. You don't serve it over rice.

All it is is cubed or ground beef with chili peppers and onions seasoned with salt, pepper and cumin and cooked over a slow fire in a cast iron dutch oven. It was made by the camp cook while the ranch hands were out on the range. It was served with warm tortillas or cornbread.

Then there was a desire to stretch the chili to feed more people, so the cooks started adding tomatoes and beans. BUT THEY STILL DIDN'T SERVE IT OVER RICE.

Then there is that stuff they call hot dog chili which is usually just a liquified chili.

Now, good chili can be made with beef, buffalo, venison, or even elk. IF IT'S MADE USING CHICKEN, TURKEY, VEGETABLES OR SOY PRODUCTS DON'T CALL IT CHILI. Call it soup or stew or something but it ain't chili.

Now, all that being said, I occasionally like to have my chili (with or without beans) over Frito corn chips and topped with red onions and cheese.

Chili doesn't have to be hot to be good. However, when I'm cooking chili people know it's right when they walk into the kitchen and break out in a sweat. I measure how hot the chili by the number of beers you have to drink per bowl. I like two beers to the bowl.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I don't feel strongly either way, but I tend to prefer my chili with beans. I feel it adds to the texture and taste. Actually, come to think of it, I don't recall eating it without.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Without beans for me served with diced onion and shredded extra sharp cheddar. I will eat chili with beans but this http://www.buttercreamdreams.com/smilies/fart2.gif becomes a real possibility.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

:tpd: It needs to be hot:fl

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

This thread inspired some home made chili, can't wait until tommorow :dr

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I always add some beans to the Chili.... but I do take it easy on 'em.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Traditional Texas style chili is made without beans, it can be made with ground or cut meat.

Like chili with or without beans, I always use 3 types of beans and 3 types of meat when making chili, feel it makes it more interesting.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

No beans. I also cut my meat into little bitty peices.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

no beans = not chili.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Most of the time I make it with beans. Personally, I prefer it without.

In chili competitions, you are not allowed to put beans in your chili.

I'm the kind of person that looks online for just about everything. In my searches, I hit a goldmine!!!!! I'll find it and post it here. There is somewhere(And Like I said, I'll link it) on the web, every recipe for the last 40 years, the winner of the world chili cookoff.

If this thread spins off into a ful blown chili thread, I'll start posting each recipe!!!!!


Ron

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

I usually make my chili with 3 pounds of meat and will add in 1 can of beans.. not too much.

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

:tpd: Great point! :tu

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

No beans!

My favorite is Skyline Chili.

I order a cheese coney with no onions or mustard and a 3-Way (Chili, Spaghetti, and Cheese) when I get Skyline! :dr

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Made some chili from the inspiration of this thread. It was damn tasty :dr

A little different then what I normally make, but good :tu

http://i244.photobucket.com/albums/g...s/IMG_0037.jpg

Re: Chili: Beans or not?
 

Looks Good Chip!!!!!!!

How about I start spilling those Recipes!!!!!


Ron