Introduction
Homemade chili is a comforting and flavorful dish that brings warmth to any gathering. From its rich blend of spices to its hearty ingredients, chili can be easily adapted to suit various tastes. This article will guide you through creating your own chili powder, a savory chili sauce, and delicious chili dogs that can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Homemade Chili Powder:
– 3 teaspoons smoked paprika (or plain paprika)
– 3 teaspoons cumin powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
– 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
– 1½ teaspoons onion powder
– 1½ teaspoons oregano
– ½ teaspoon mustard powder
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
Chili Sauce:
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
– ½ onion, finely chopped
– ½ red bell pepper, finely chopped
– 500g (1 lb) ground beef
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 400g (14 oz) canned crushed tomatoes
– 2 beef bouillon cubes
– 1½ cups water
– ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
Chili Dogs:
– 6 smoked sausages (e.g., kransky, bratwurst) or hot dogs of choice
– 6 hot dog buns
– ½ white onion, finely chopped
– Yellow mustard
– 2 cups shredded Colby or Monterey Jack cheese
– Plain crinkle-cut potato chips (optional, for serving)
Prep Time
Preparation for this chili dish takes approximately 20 minutes.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time for the chili sauce is around 3 hours, making the total time approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes. This recipe yields enough chili for 6 servings of chili dogs. Enjoy the spicy, hearty flavors and the delightful comfort of homemade chili!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Chili Sauce Preparation
1. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a heavy-based pot. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 3 minutes.
2. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until no longer pink. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add the homemade chili powder, crushed tomatoes, water, crumbled bouillon cubes, and salt. Stir well.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Partially cover with a lid and simmer for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Remove 1½ cups of the chili into a container suitable for blending. Blend until smooth (about 15 seconds).
6. Return the blended chili to the pot and stir well. If the beef pieces are too large, use a potato masher to achieve a finer texture. The sauce should be thick and moundable.
Chili Dogs Assembly
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F) or 160°C (320°F) fan-forced.
2. Grill or pan-fry the sausages over medium to medium-high heat until browned and heated through.
3. Place hot dog buns on a tray. Insert a sausage into each bun, add a squiggle of mustard, and sprinkle with chopped onion.
4. Spoon a generous amount of warm chili sauce over each sausage and top with shredded cheese.
5. Bake for 7 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Serve immediately, optionally with plain crinkle-cut potato chips.
Notes
Adjusting Spiciness
– The amount of cayenne pepper in the chili powder can be adjusted according to personal taste preferences to control the heat level.
Meat Options
– Ground turkey or chicken can be used as alternatives to ground beef if a lighter option is desired.
Vegetarian Alternative
– For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with lentils or a meat substitute and use vegetable bouillon cubes.
Storage Suggestions
– Leftover chili sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for later use.
Cook techniques
Blending
Blend chili to achieve a smoother consistency for a uniform texture in the sauce.
Sautéing
Sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil to enhance their flavors and aroma.
Browning
Brown the ground beef to develop a richer flavor and provide a nice texture to the chili.
Simmering
Simmer the chili sauce slowly to meld the flavors together and allow it to thicken.
Baking
Bake the assembled chili dogs to melt the cheese and warm the bun while adding a slightly crispy texture.
Grilling or Pan-frying
Grill or pan-fry sausages to create a brown, flavorful exterior while ensuring they are heated through.
FAQ
Can I adjust the spice level of the chili powder?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste.
How long can I store the chili sauce?
The chili sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or frozen for longer storage.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even keep it vegetarian with beans and lentils.
Is there a way to make this chili sauce thicker?
Yes, you can reduce the liquid by simmering it longer or use a potato masher to break down the beef further for a thicker consistency.
What toppings can I add to the chili dogs?
You can add various toppings like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Homemade chili powder and a hearty chili sauce make for an incredibly flavorful base that can elevate any dish, especially when combined in chili dogs. The balance of spices along with the rich taste of ground beef and melted cheese brings comfort and satisfaction to your meal. Prepare to impress family and friends with this versatile and delicious recipe!
Chili Mac
Combine cooked pasta with chili sauce, top with cheese, and bake for a comforting chili mac dish.
Chili Cheese Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with chili sauce, cheese, jalapeños, and your choice of toppings for a tasty appetizer.
Chili Quesadillas
Spread chili sauce and cheese between tortillas, grill until crispy, and serve with sour cream or guacamole.
Stuffed Peppers
Fill halved bell peppers with a mixture of cooked rice, chili sauce, and cheese, then bake until the peppers are tender.
Chili Beef Tacos
Use chili sauce as a filling for tacos, topped with fresh cilantro, avocado, and diced onions for a delicious twist.
Chili Baked Potatoes
Top baked potatoes with chili sauce, cheese, and chives for a hearty meal.
Chili Salad
Mix chili sauce with greens, add avocado, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a unique salad option.
