Award Winning Chili
A hearty, flavorful chili packed with chorizo, tomatoes, beans, and spices, perfect for gatherings and satisfying for any spice lover seeking bold, warming comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. picante chorizos
- 2 quarts whole or diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 3-4 cans chili or kidney beans, undrained ⓘ
- 2 large green peppers, diced ⓘ
- 1 large sweet onion, diced ⓘ
- 4 jalapenos, diced ⓘ
- 5 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. Goya seasoning salt or 2 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- 2 tsp. oregano
- 2 tsp. salt ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the chorizo in a frying pan until cooked through.
- In a large pot, cook the tomatoes, green pepper, onion, jalapenos, spices, and browned chorizo until vegetables are tender.
- Add vinegar, brown sugar, and beans to the mixture.
- Simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours or cook in a slow cooker on low for 5-6 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding more jalapenos or using a hotter variety of chorizo. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chorizo with plant-based chorizo or beans. Using canned tomatoes can save time, but fresh tomatoes will add a vibrant flavor. Additionally, feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste preferences, and don't hesitate to incorporate some corn for added sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
This chili pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. Consider topping it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor. Serve with a side salad or avocado slices to balance the heat. For a variation, try it alongside Low-Fat Taco Soup for a Tex-Mex feast or enjoy it with a side of Mexican recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Award Winning Chili contains roughly 1155 calories, with 44g protein, 170g carbohydrates, and 54g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (101% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1327mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving, and it will be ready to enjoy.
What can I do if my chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance the heat by adding a bit of sugar or honey to counteract the spiciness. Alternatively, adding more beans or diced tomatoes can help dilute the heat without compromising the flavor.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, feel free to mix and match beans according to your preference. Black beans or pinto beans can be great alternatives to kidney beans. Just ensure that you keep the overall texture in mind, as different beans can change the consistency of your chili.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).