Ever wonder about the origin of chili? I can hear some of you saying that I've got far too much time on my hands if I'm thinking about that. You might be right, but imagine, a guy actually wrote a whole book on it. It's called "The Great Chili Book" by Bill Bridges. Apparently Texans have been eating chili for hundreds of years, but it really gained popularity throughout the country during the depression because it was substantial meal for a small amount of money.In fact beans weren't common in chili until the depression when meat was a premium price. People would load the pot with beans which were cheap with the meat playing a lesser role. Who knew?
Today there are chili cookoffs all over the country, with pots of it made from every kind of meat under the sun, cubed or ground, with or without beans, some with beer, some with wine - some is even without (vegetarian).
If you check my index under beef you'll notice that I've already made a pot of Texas Red with cubed meat that cooks low and slow for a couple of hours and traditionally does not have any beans. It is wonderful, but if you don't have the time or the inclination here's a quick alternative made from ground beef. It's substantial, cheap and can be used many different ways, which makes it a perfect "cooking for one" dinner. Download JBugs Cheater Chili
Enjoy it straight from the pot or make some into quesadillas, fill an omelet, or taquitos or make a quick tamale pie. Don't forget you can also create chili dogs, chili burgers, or a plate of nachos ...there's a lot more variations than there will be chili, believe me!
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