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?

[md4958]

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)

[tnip23]

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)

[Smokin Gator]

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!!

[livwire68]

Originally Posted by Smokin Gator

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!!

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.

[md4958]

Originally Posted by tnip23

dark cocoa pwdr,

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.

[St. Lou Stu]

Originally Posted by md4958

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

I hear that brotha!

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

[AD720]

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.

[Scottw]

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.......

[tnip23]

Originally Posted by md4958

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

.

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.

[chippewastud79]

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.

That being said, Skyline Chili must be served without beans

[tsolomon]

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

[VirtualSmitty]

I prefer my chili to have beans.

Originally Posted by tsolomon

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

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

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.

[Opusfxd]

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

[Mark C]

no beans = not chili.

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

[white_s2k]

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

[rizzle]

If it aint got beans it aint chili.