The Spiciest Chili recipe and its origin

Chili Con carne whether it’s an assortment of meats or vegetarian, most people like it one way or the other. Chili started way back in the 17^th century when folklore had that a young nun in Spain had a travelling spirit that would go in a trance and speak with native Indians in America; this is how she supposedly got the chili recipe revealed to her. No one knows for sure if this is truth or myth. Makes you wonder how spicy they had it back, maybe the did have the spiciest chili.

There are so many stories of how chili came about you would have to pick your favorite one to decide. One story is of a group of Wagoner  in the west that went around with soldiers to cook for them,  came up with this stew that they added the dried chili pepper and spices they carried along.

The chili pepper and the chili have gone through its own controversy over the years. Back in the day people had different notions on things they could not understand or figured out and chili, both the pepper and the stew were one of them. In the 19^th century a few Spanish priest took it upon themselves to start preaching against the chili pepper, stating it was an aphrodisiac and would lead to a burst of sexual activities. They claimed chili was the food of the devil and was as hot as brimstone and fire. All that calling down of hell on the dish may have contributed on its popularity.

In the early 1900’s some Latino women began making chili and selling it the plaza in  Sa_n Antonio, these ladies were called the “chili queens”. They would make their stews from home of fiery chili pepper and beef in order to have the spiciest chili, served also were tamales, enchiladas and tortillas. This happened to be a successful venture for these “chili queens” until the city officials came down on them due to unsanitary conditions. There were no public facilities nor were there proper convenience to wash and sanitize the eating utensils. They were order to close up shop and vacate the plaza.

To day chili has taken on a life of it’s own with many faces and many tastes of the infamous dish. There are recipe books, cooking shows about chili and various contest and cook off to find the best chili. Many states have their own version of chili, with its different spices the taste will vary.

Slap your Momma Spicy Hot Chili

Ingredients:

8 ounces pinto beans
8 ounces black beans

2.5 lbs ground or cubed beef, turkey or chicken

 3 Tbsp olive oil
1 large onion chopped

3 Jalapeno chopped and stemmed

1 habanera pepper chopped and seeded
2 T (about 5 cloves) fresh minced garlic
4 14 oz. cans stewed tomatoes (undrained)
1 12 0z. can tomato paste
1 cup beef or chicken broth, or water
2 tsp salt

2 tbsp brown sugar
1 Tsp cumin
6 Tsp chili powder

1tsp oregano

Directions:

Beans should be soaked over night in sufficient water to cover them.  Drain next morning and recover with fresh water again. Simmer for 2 - 3 hours or until almost soft, making sure the beans are always covered with water. Saute the onion and garlic together in a large cooking pot. Gently stir in tomato paste, broth, salt, brown sugar stewed tomatoes, chopped hot peppers, drained beans, cumin, oregano and chili powder. Simmer at least 45 minutes.

Make a fine serving with some homemade cornbread

Caution: wear gloves when handling hot peppers.

Makes about a gallon.