Chasen’s Legendary Hollywood Chili
Step into the world of classic Hollywood with Chasen’s Legendary Chili, a recipe shrouded in mystery and beloved by stars like Elizabeth Taylor. Originating from the iconic Chasen's Restaurant in Los Angeles, this chili became a culinary sensation after Taylor famously requested it be shipped to her during the filming of Cleopatra. Each spoonful of this rich, hearty dish tells a story of savory meats, vibrant vegetables, and a hint of secret ingredients that make it a standout. Ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in, this chili is not just a meal; it's an experience, best enjoyed warmed up after a day’s rest to let the flavors meld together perfectly.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
dry pinto beans
1/2 lb (rinsed and sorted)
diced tomatoes with juice
1 (28 ounce) can (none)
green bell pepper
1 large (chopped)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons (for sautéing)
onions
3 cups (coarsely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
butter
1/2 cup (for sautéing)
beef chuck
2 lbs (coarsely chopped)
pork shoulder
1 lb (coarsely chopped)
chili powder
1/3 cup (preferably Gebhardt's)
salt
1 tablespoon (none)
pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (preferably Farmer Bros)
Kahlua liqueur
1/4 cup (optional for additional flavor)
Instructions
1
Begin by rinsing the dry pinto beans, removing any debris. Place them in a Dutch oven and cover with water, ensuring the water level is about 2 inches above the beans. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and cover. Let the beans stand for 1 hour, then drain and rinse again.
2
In the same Dutch oven, add enough fresh water to cover the rinsed beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer, covered, for about 1 hour, or until the beans are tender. Set aside after cooking.
3
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped green bell pepper for about 5 minutes until soft. Add the coarsely chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, until they become tender and translucent. Stir in the crushed garlic and chopped parsley, cooking for an additional minute before removing the mixture from heat.
4
Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the coarsely chopped beef chuck and pork shoulder, cooking until all the meat is browned evenly. Drain any excess fat and add the meat to the bean mixture along with the sautéed vegetables.
5
Incorporate the diced tomatoes with their juice, chili powder, salt, pepper, ground cumin, and optional Kahlua liqueur into the bean mixture. Stir until combined.
6
Bring the entire mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for about 1 hour. Afterward, uncover and let it simmer for an additional 30 minutes, adjusting the consistency to your preference – it should be hearty yet not too thick or soupy.
7
Finally, skim off any excess fat, serve hot, and enjoy the comforting essence of Chasen’s Legendary Hollywood Chili. This dish also freezes well, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors for months to come. When reheating, add a few tablespoons of water to maintain the desired consistency.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
41.7g
Carbs
25g
Protein
9.3g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chasen’s Legendary Hollywood Chili?
It is an iconic chili recipe from the famous Chasen's Restaurant in Los Angeles, known for its rich flavor and celebrity following.
Which famous actress requested this chili while filming Cleopatra?
Elizabeth Taylor famously requested that Chasen's ship this chili to her while she was filming Cleopatra in Rome.
What are the primary meats used in Chasen's chili?
The recipe uses two pounds of coarsely chopped beef chuck and one pound of coarsely chopped pork shoulder.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 1/2 pound of dry pinto beans that are rinsed and sorted.
Is there a secret or optional ingredient for extra flavor?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding 1/4 cup of Kahlua liqueur as an optional ingredient for additional flavor depth.
What specific brand of chili powder is recommended?
The recipe recommends using 1/3 cup of Gebhardt's chili powder for the most authentic taste.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
There are 400 calories per serving of Chasen's Legendary Hollywood Chili.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 25 grams of protein.
How long should the dry pinto beans stand after boiling for the first time?
After boiling for 2 minutes, the beans should stand covered for 1 hour before being drained and rinsed.
Is the beef and pork ground or chopped?
The beef chuck and pork shoulder should be coarsely chopped rather than ground for the traditional texture.
What brand of ground cumin is preferred?
The recipe notes that Farmer Bros ground cumin is the preferred choice.
What vegetables are included in the sautéed mixture?
The sautéed mixture consists of chopped green bell pepper, coarsely chopped onions, crushed garlic, and chopped parsley.
Does the recipe use butter or oil for browning the meat?
The meat is browned in 1/2 cup of melted butter.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 16 grams of fat.
How long does the final mixture simmer?
The mixture simmers covered for 1 hour, then uncovered for an additional 30 minutes.
Can Chasen’s Legendary Hollywood Chili be frozen?
Yes, this chili freezes very well and can be enjoyed for months when stored properly.
What should I do if the chili is too thick when reheating?
When reheating, it is recommended to add a few tablespoons of water to maintain the desired consistency.
Should the tomatoes be drained before adding them?
No, you should use the 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes along with their juice.
Is this a spicy recipe?
The recipe is tagged as spicy due to the 1/3 cup of chili powder and other seasonings.
How many grams of fiber are in a serving?
There are 9.3 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the total carbohydrate count?
The chili contains 41.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Why is it recommended to let the chili rest?
Allowing the chili to rest, ideally for a day, lets the flavors meld together perfectly for a better experience.
How do you prepare the green bell pepper?
The green bell pepper should be large and chopped before being sautéed in vegetable oil.
How many onions are needed?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of coarsely chopped onions.
What is the first step in preparing the beans?
Rinse the dry beans, cover them with water in a Dutch oven, and boil for 2 minutes.
Is there any salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 1/2 teaspoons of pepper.
What should you do with the excess fat after cooking?
You should skim off any excess fat from the top of the chili before serving.
How many garlic cloves are required?
The recipe requires 2 garlic cloves, which should be crushed.
Is vegetable oil used in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil are used to sauté the bell pepper and onions.
What is the total number of ingredients in this chili?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including the optional Kahlua.