It is my Grandmother’s original recipe. I just added a few things here and there but my Grandmother made chili that was so good, that it would make you jump out of the chair, spin around in the air and kick someone in the back of the head (kind of like Bruce Lee).
I remember the first time she “allowed” me to watch her make chili. See, my Grandmother got me interested in cooking. Since Sunday’s in our family was the big dinner day, that started at noon after church and finished at around 4 pm (16:00) it was the day that my Grandmother became very creative.
She had a special stool for me to sit on and watch her. I would sit there beside her at the counter near the stove and we would talk about what she had to do and of course I asked questions. I was young and wasn’t allowed ti help. Until… Chili Night came around.
I remember sitting in the living room and I was watching some an original episode of Star Trek and my Grandmother called to me, “Jeff….you want to watch Captain Kirk or help me make Chili?” I think I ran on top of the air I was so fast getting to the kitchen.
She gave me 2 large jars of tomatoes that we grew in our garden and asked me to drain them but save the juice. Then she told me to cut the tomatoes into cubes as best I can. While I was doing that, we was preparing the meat and spices.
My Grandmother NEVER bought from the store pre-mixed spices like Chili Seasoning, Taco Seasoning or anything like that. She would blend her own herbs and spices the way she wanted and so until it was right.
I was so happy sitting there actually helping to make chili. I cut the tomatoes, peppers, garlic and the onion had my Grandma laughing at me with tears in her eyes and it wasn’t from the onion. The large sweet onion that we grew in the garden was just really creating a problem for me when I chopped it up. That’s when I was told a little secret…When cutting up large amounts of onions, to keep them from burning your eyes and making them water…light a small candle and place it near where you are cutting. Don’t ask me why or how but it works. No tear and no burning eyes from the onion.
These were great memories I had with my Grandma. She passed away 11 December 2011. She was 81 years old.
INGREDIENTS:
DIRECTIONS:
Mix paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.
Place the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring to crumble, until evenly browned.
Drain off grease.
Place the pot over medium heat, and add the onion, garlic, green pepper, red pepper and kidney beans.
Cook and stir for a few minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce and water, and season with chili powder. Simmer over low heat for 40 minutes uncovered.
Ingredients
Directions
Mix paprika, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper together in a bowl.
Place the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring to crumble, until evenly browned.
Drain off grease.
Place the pot over medium heat, and add the onion, garlic, green pepper, red pepper and kidney beans.
Cook and stir for a few minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce and water, and season with chili powder. Simmer over low heat for 40 minutes uncovered.
This chili is best served with grated sharp cheddar cheese and some sour cream. Served with Annie’s corn bread and my wife’s salad, this is a meal that will make you punch someone in the face, it is so good!
Enjoy!
