Rainwater Chili
Rainwater Chili combines smoky spices, tender meats, and briny olives in a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for gatherings and cold evenings, with a unique tequila and beer twist.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil ⓘ
- 2 large onions, chopped ⓘ
- 3 to 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced ⓘ
- 1 yellow bell pepper, seeded and diced ⓘ
- 1 green bell pepper, seeded and diced ⓘ
- 5 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon hot paprika ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon turmeric ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder ⓘ
- 2 pounds ground beef sirloin ⓘ
- 12 ounces hot Italian sausage, removed from casing and crumbled ⓘ
- 12 ounces sweet Italian sausage, removed from casing and crumbled ⓘ
- 1 (35-ounce) can tomatoes, undrained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup golden tequila ⓘ
- 12 ounces beer ⓘ
- 1 cup Kalamata (Greek) olives
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the minced jalapeno peppers, diced yellow and green peppers, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes longer.
- Remove the pot from the heat.
- Brown the ground beef sirloin and crumbled Italian sausages in a skillet, crumbling the meat with the back of a wooden spoon, over medium-high heat until no longer pink.
- Add the cooked meats to the onion mixture and return the pan to medium heat.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, golden tequila, beer, and olives.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Simmer the chili, uncovered, over low heat for about 1 hour.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of Rainwater Chili, consider adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat. For a vegetarian version, substitute the meats with lentils or mushrooms. If you want a thicker chili, let it simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry. This dish is perfect for those cold winter nights, similar to the comforting Winter Warming Vegetable Soup.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rainwater Chili hot, garnished with fresh cilantro or sour cream. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips. You can also enjoy it over rice or with a side of Noodle Goulash for a hearty meal. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a simple green salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the chili thickens too much while sitting, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rainwater Chili contains roughly 584 calories, with 31g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (180% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (111% of the Daily Value), and calcium (70% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1605mg per serving (70% 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 Rainwater Chili in advance?
Yes, Rainwater Chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it a day in advance, let it cool, then refrigerate. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
What can I substitute for the ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or try a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian chili. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
How spicy is this chili?
The heat level can vary based on the type of jalapenos used. For a milder chili, remove all the seeds and membranes from the peppers. You can also reduce the amount of jalapenos or replace them with bell peppers for a sweet flavor.
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).