Frequently Asked Questions
What is Champion's Texan Chili Delight?
Champion's Texan Chili Delight is an award-winning Texas-style chili recipe inspired by the CASI chili circuit, focusing on a harmonious blend of spices without the addition of beans or onions.
Does this Texas chili recipe contain beans?
No, this recipe follows traditional Texas chili standards and does not contain beans or other 'floaters'.
What type of meat is recommended for this chili?
The recipe calls for 2.5 lbs of ground sirloin, which should be browned and drained of excess fat.
Is there onion in this chili?
While it does not contain fresh chopped onions to keep the texture smooth, it uses granulated onion for flavor.
What should I do if I cannot find Sazon Goya?
If Sazon Goya is elusive or unavailable, you can simply leave it out of the recipe.
Why are the spices added in different batches?
Spices are added in stages to create deep layers of flavor and ensure that no single spice overwhelms the dish.
How long does the chili need to simmer in total?
The chili simmers for a total of approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes across different stages.
What brands of chili powder are suggested?
The recipe specifically mentions Gebhardt chili powder as a light chili powder option along with a dark chili powder.
How much tomato sauce is needed?
The recipe requires one 8-ounce can of Hunts tomato sauce.
What liquids are used for the chili base?
The base is made using 14 ounces of beef broth, 7 ounces of chicken broth, and 8 ounces of tomato sauce.
Is this chili spicy?
Yes, it contains cayenne pepper, dark chili powder, and light chili powder, though the levels can be adjusted to taste at the end.
What is the purpose of adding brown sugar?
A small amount of brown sugar (1/4 teaspoon) is added in the final stage to balance the flavors.
How do I prepare the meat for the chili?
Brown the ground sirloin in a large skillet over medium heat and drain any excess fat before adding it to the pot.
Can I adjust the consistency of the chili?
Yes, you can check the consistency after the first hour of simmering and adjust it by adding the remaining chicken broth if needed.
What bouillons are used in the recipe?
The recipe uses both beef bouillon granules and chicken bouillon granules for a savory depth.
What spices are included in the first spice dump?
The first dump includes granulated onion, cayenne pepper, beef bouillon, salt, chicken bouillon, light chili powder, and dark chili powder.
What spices are added in the second stage?
The second batch consists of ground cumin, granulated garlic, dark chili powder, light chili powder, and Sazon Goya.
What are the final spices added to the pot?
The final stage includes dark chili powder, ground cumin, granulated garlic, cayenne pepper, and brown sugar.
How long is the final cook time after the last spice addition?
After the final spices are added, the chili should cook at a slow boil for an additional 10 minutes.
What can I do if the chili is not salty enough?
At the very end of the cooking process, you should taste the chili and adjust with extra salt according to your preference.
Is granulated garlic used in this recipe?
Yes, granulated garlic is added during both the second and third spice stages.
What is the total amount of dark chili powder used?
The recipe uses a total of 5 tablespoons of dark chili powder divided across different stages.
How much ground cumin is required?
The recipe calls for a total of 3 teaspoons of ground cumin.
Can I use fresh garlic instead of granulated?
To maintain the competition-style texture and specific flavor profile of this recipe, granulated garlic is recommended.
What heat level should the chili be simmered at?
After the initial boil, the heat should be reduced to low for the long simmering periods.
How much cayenne pepper is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, plus more at the end if you desire more heat.
What is a 'rolling boil' in this context?
A rolling boil is used at the start when combining the meat, broths, and sauce before the first spice addition.
Why is chicken broth used in a beef chili?
Chicken broth is used alongside beef broth to provide a more complex and rounded savory flavor profile.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
It is inspired by the traditions of the CASI (Chili Appreciation Society International) chili circuit.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, chili often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together.