Off The Farm
A hearty, flavorful chili featuring beef, pork, beans, and olives, perfect for comforting gatherings and those who enjoy a mildly spiced, savory dish.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1 large onion, minced fine ⓘ
- 8 cloves garlic, minced fine ⓘ
- 2 lb. beef, cut into cubes ⓘ
- 1 lb. pork shoulder, cubed ⓘ
- 1 (20 oz.) can tomatoes, sieved ⓘ
- 2 (16 oz.) cans kidney beans, drained ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. oregano ⓘ
- 3 small bay leaves ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 c. ripe olives, minced
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt bacon drippings in a heavy skillet and add minced onion, garlic, beef cubes, and pork shoulder cubes.
- Brown the meat on all sides.
- Cover and steam for about 20 minutes.
- Add sieved tomatoes, salt, oregano, bay leaves, and chili powder to the skillet.
- Mix flour with a bit of cold water and stir into the pot.
- Simmer the mixture for 1 hour and 30 minutes.
- Add minced olives, water, and drained kidney beans.
- Simmer for an additional 30 minutes, adding more water if necessary.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the beef and pork in the spices overnight. If you don't have bacon drippings, olive oil or butter can work as a substitute. For a spicier kick, feel free to add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper. This dish can also be customized by using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, similar to recipes like Meat Roll-Ups.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty dish is perfect served over rice or with warm cornbread on the side. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For added flair, top with shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy it alongside a bowl of Hitchcock Chili for a comforting feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water if it seems dry. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated thoroughly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Off The Farm contains roughly 1097 calories, with 29g protein, 154g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (200% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (112% of the Daily Value), and calcium (62% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2806mg per serving (122% 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 use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Canned tomatoes are a great substitute and save time. Look for diced or crushed tomatoes for a similar texture. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning as needed since canned tomatoes can vary in flavor and salt content.
What can I use instead of kidney beans?
If kidney beans aren't available, black beans or pinto beans can be excellent alternatives. They will still provide a hearty texture and complement the flavors of the dish. Just make sure to drain and rinse them before adding to the pot.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meat with a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. You can also use plant-based protein crumbles. Increase the spices and add vegetable broth to maintain depth of flavor. This will create a delicious alternative that still satisfies.
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).