Award Winning Chili Recipe

Experience the rich and bold flavors of the “Award Winning Chili Recipe,” a dish that has cemented its reputation through numerous chili cook-off victories. Created by Sugar Spun Run, this chili has left countless viewers convinced that it is the best they have ever tasted. From the smoky depth of bacon and spices to the heartiness of ground beef and beans, every ingredient combines to create a culinary masterpiece.

Your journey towards replicating this celebrated recipe begins with precise steps and carefully selected ingredients. The process includes sautéing chopped bacon, softening onions and peppers, and perfectly blending a mixture of spices that define its unique taste. As the chili simmers, the aromas will tempt your senses, promising a final product that’s both comforting and delicious. Serve with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and corn chips to elevate your chili experience.

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Understanding the Award Winning Chili

Why this Chili Stands Out

You may wonder what sets this particular chili recipe apart from countless others. The answer lies in its unique blend of ingredients and meticulous preparation methods. The combination of bacon, a duo of chili powders, and smoked paprika imparts a depth of flavor that is both complex and comforting. Each component is given careful attention, ensuring they all contribute harmoniously to the final dish. The process of layering the flavors—from sautéing the vegetables to browning the beef and integrating the spices—guarantees an exceptionally aromatic and flavorful chili.

Recognition and Awards

This chili recipe has attained significant recognition, having won numerous chili cook-off competitions. Many who have tried it acclaimed it as the best they have ever had, reinforcing its well-deserved reputation. Such accolades highlight its widespread appeal and the consistent quality that makes this recipe a champion in both professional and amateur circles.

Gathering the Ingredients

Essential Ingredients

For a chili that wins awards, you will need the following essential ingredients:

• 5 strips of uncooked bacon, chopped
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 pound of ground beef
• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon each of chili powder and ancho chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon each of cumin and onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1 ¼ cups of beef broth
• 15 ounces of dark red kidney beans, lightly rinsed and drained
• 15 ounces of black beans, lightly rinsed and drained
• 14.5 ounces of diced fire-roasted tomatoes, undrained
• 7 ounces of fire-roasted green chilis
• ¼ cup of tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce

These ingredients work in tandem to provide the robust, multi-dimensional flavor profile that defines this award-winning chili.

Optional Ingredients and Customizations

While the essential ingredients form the backbone of the chili, customization can enhance the dish to suit personal tastes. You may consider adding:

• Additional bacon for garnish
• Different types of beans, such as pinto or cannellini
• Extra cayenne pepper for increased heat
• Smoked sausage or turkey as alternatives to ground beef

Preferred toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and corn chips also offer additional layers of texture and flavor to the finished dish.

Preparation Steps

Prepping the Bacon

Begin by chopping five strips of uncooked bacon into small, bite-sized pieces. This preparation is crucial, as the bacon needs to cook evenly and integrate well with the other ingredients. Set these pieces aside, ready for the initial cooking stage.

Dicing Vegetables and Mince Garlic

Next, you will dice one large yellow onion and one red pepper. Each should be about the size of a pea to ensure even cooking and a harmonious blend of flavors. Mince three cloves of garlic, aiming for a fine texture to maximize its distributed fragrance and taste throughout the chili.

Cooking the Bacon

Cooking Method

Place the chopped bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven and cook over medium heat. Allow it to render its fat and turn crisp, usually taking around 5-7 minutes. Continuously stir to prevent burning and to ensure an even crispness.

Retaining Bacon Grease

Once the bacon is cooked, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat. Importantly, retain about 1 ½ tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot. This grease will be used to sauté the vegetables, infusing them with an additional layer of flavor that is essential to the dish.

Sautéing Vegetables

Cooking Onions and Peppers

With the retained bacon grease in the pot, add the diced onion and red pepper. Cook these over medium heat, stirring occasionally until they soften—a process that typically takes 3-5 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to develop a caramelized, sweet flavor that enhances the overall taste of the chili.

Adding Garlic and Its Importance

Add the minced garlic to the pot once the vegetables have softened. Cooking it for about 30 seconds until fragrant will optimize its aromatic properties. Garlic plays a pivotal role in flavor foundations, adding complexity and depth to the dish.

Adding and Browning the Beef

Breaking Apart Ground Beef

Introduce the ground beef to the pot. Use a spatula to break it apart into smaller pieces as it cooks. This ensures that the meat is evenly distributed and properly browned, which is critical for flavor development.

Browning to Perfection

Allow the beef to cook until it reaches about 50% browning. This midway point is optimal for adding spices, as the meat still has moisture that will help to absorb and integrate the flavors of the spices effectively.

Incorporating the Spices

List of Spices

Add the following spices to the partially browned beef:

• 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon each of chili powder and ancho chili powder
• 1 ½ teaspoons of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon each of cumin and onion powder
• ¾ teaspoon of ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon of salt
• 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper

Timing and Mixing

Stir all the spices into the beef, ensuring even distribution. Continue to cook and mix until the beef is fully browned. This technique allows the spices to meld with the meat, creating a richly flavored base for the chili.

Combining All Ingredients

Adding Broth, Beans, and Tomatoes

Pour in 1 ¼ cups of beef broth, ensuring it incorporates well with the beef and spices. Add the beans—both dark red kidney and black beans—after lightly rinsing and draining them. Follow with the undrained diced fire-roasted tomatoes, the tomato paste, and fire-roasted green chilis.

Including Bacon and Final Stir

Add the previously cooked and set-aside bacon back into the pot. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This final mix will unify the multiple layers of flavors, preparing the chili for its simmering phase.

Simmering the Chili

Bring to Boil and Reduce Heat

Bring the chili to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to integrate flavors continuously. Allow it to boil for around 1-2 minutes.

Simmering Period and Stirring Frequency

After the brief boiling period, reduce the heat to a simmer. Allow the chili to simmer uncovered for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from settling and to enable the flavors to blend effectively. This simmering stage is crucial for developing the depth and richness that characterizes this award-winning chili.

Conclusion

Final Thoughts

The meticulous steps involved in preparing this chili ensure that every bite is bursting with flavor. Each component, from the crispy bacon to the harmonious blend of spices, contributes to a dish that is both comforting and complex. The simmering process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a chili that stands out in any setting, be it a family dinner or a competitive cook-off.

Encouragement to Try the Recipe

Given the accolades and wide approval this chili has received, it is highly recommended that you try this recipe. Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, the preparation steps are straightforward yet rewarding. The result is a chili that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also exemplifies culinary excellence. Enjoy this award-winning dish with friends and family, garnished with your preferred toppings for an elevated experience.