Chili is the official dish of the state of Texas. Texas chili recipes are a Tex-Mex adaptation of an American southwest dish of meat that is slowly simmered in a sauce made from dried chilies and spices. Beans are never included in Tex-Mex cooking. The birthplace of today's Texas chili recipes is San Antonio. Back in the early 1900's the market area was a place where cattle drives, the army, missionaries, and railroad men would meet. Back then women from the mission would prepare large kettles of traditional stews or chili and bring them to the market area to feed the hungry crowd. These women were known as "chili queens" and in the early 1940's sanitation laws forced them out of business.
LBJ PEDE RNALES RIVER CHILI/Serves 4
Ingredients
* 1tb vegetable oil
* 1 1/2 pounds beef chuck, in 1/2 inch cubes
* 2 cups onions, medium diced
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 1/2 Teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 Teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 3 cups tomatoes, peeled, seeded, medium diced
* Beef stock, hot
* salt and pepper to taste
How To Put It Together
1. Heat the oil and brown the meat. (this step must be done in small batches) Remove meat and set aside.
2. Add the onions and garlic, and cook 4 minutes or until vegetables begin to brown.
3. Add the spices and cook 2 minutes. Return the meat.
4. Add the tomatoes and stock, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Simmer 1 hour and skim fat as it cooks out, adjust seasoning, and add more water if necessary.
Country Chili
Ingredients
* 1 large Onion, chopped
* 1 garlic clove, chopped
* 1 tablespoon Margarine,
* 1 teaspoon Salt
* 1 teaspoon Whole basil, dried
* 1 teaspoon Chili powder
* 1⁄2 teaspoon Whole oregano, dried
* 1⁄2 teaspoon Whole thyme, dried
* 1⁄4 teaspoon Pepper
* 16 oz (1 can) Tomatoes, undrained and chopped
* 8 oz Red Kidney beans, undrained
How To Put It Together
1. Saute onion and garlic in margarine in a large saucepan until tender.
2. Add salt, basil, chili powder, oregano, thyme, and pepper, stirring well.
3. Stir in tomatoes and beans.
4. Simmer, uncovered, 10 to 15 minutes.
5. Serve hot.
