Jay’s game day chili
Every year during football season, Jay makes his game day chili. Usually, he makes a big batch of it on Saturday morning during the pregame and it’s ready for by kickoff. Yes, college football is just as sacred as the NFL. We have it for the whole weekend and if there are any leftovers, we just pop it in our freezer and save it for a chilly night. Here’s a little insight as to how and why this specific recipe is a staple in our home:
“When the Giants played the Patriots in Super Bowl XLII, I invited a bunch of friends and family over to my place. I quickly realized that I needed to feed everyone. I decided to go with a chili recipe because it’s a game day staple and it feeds a big crowd on a tight budget. I laid out a spread of hotdogs, tortilla chips with fixings to make a bad ass nacho plate and just bowls for those who wanted to enjoy it as is. Throughout the years, I adjust the heat or sweetness level depending on the crowd. It’s always a winner even if the team you’re rooting for is not.” -Jay
(Spoiler Alert: GIANT WON THAT GAME! GO BIG BLUE!!!)
Jay’s Game Day Chili
Prep time: 20 minutes | Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Serves: 8-10
Ingredients:
2 pounds 80/20 ground beef
3 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
4 assorted medium bell peppers, medium dice
2 medium yellow onions, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 jalapeno, minced, seeded optional
1/4 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons ground coriander
1 teaspoon of sweet paprika
1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 15-ounce can each red kidney beans, drained
1 28-ounce can each diced tomato
1 28-ounce can of tomato puree
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar
½ cup sliced scallion or green onions
Sour cream, for serving
Special equipment:
Large Dutch oven
Instructions:
Add the ground beef to a medium bowl and season with Worcestershire sauce, 2 teaspoons Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix until well combined and set aside.
In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add the chili powder, cumin, coriander, sweet paprika and crushed red pepper flakes. Toast the spices until fragrant and looks slightly golden, about 1 minute. Add onions, peppers, garlic and jalapeno and coat with the toasted spice mixture. Cook until vegetables have softened, about 10 minutes, stir occasionally with a wooden spoon.
Create a well in the center of the soften vegetables and add a quarter of the seasoned ground beef. Once the ground beef starts to brown, stir in with the vegetables and repeat until all the ground beef is fully brown and incorporated. Season with 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Mix in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato puree and sugar into the Dutch oven. Turn on high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce to low heat and cover. Stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow it to simmer for 1 hour. Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, continue to stir occasionally. If the chili is too thick, add up to 1/2 cup water for desired consistency. Season to taste. If you desire a sweeter or spicy chili, feel free to adjust the seasoning.
When ready to serve, top individual portions with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream and sliced scallions.
Cook’s Note
If you are not a fan of beef, feel free to swap out for ground pork, turkey or even whole shrimp. Vegetarian? Try tofu**.
*If using shrimp, use medium cleaned and peeled whole shrimp. Add into the chili during the last 20 minutes of cooking.
**If using tofu, use firm tofu and cut into cubes. Add into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
When choosing a chili powder, you can always personalize the blend. Try ancho, Aleppo, chipotle and a little cayenne. My personal favorites are fruit based chili powders, such as mango or passion fruit. This gives it another sweet yet complex identity.
Make ahead tip: Keep it warm in a slow cooker on the low heat setting during the game so you can cheer on your team with friends and family!