Coney Island Delight Chili
Experience the bold and savory flavors of Coney Island Delight Chili, a time-honored recipe that captures the essence of street food from New York's iconic Coney Island. This hearty chili combines ground chuck and finely processed pepperoni, enriched with a medley of spices and smoky undertones. Perfectly suited to ladle over hotdogs or burgers, this dish brings warmth and comfort to your lunch or snack time. Serve it with a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, minced onions, and a drizzle of classic yellow mustard for an authentic twist that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy this beloved treat any day of the week!
5
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground Chuck
1 lb (browned and drained)
Pepperoni
1/3 lb (finely ground (use a food processor))
White Onions
3 tablespoons (grated on a microplane)
Kosher Salt
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Light Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon (packed)
Tomato Paste
16 ounces (standard)
Liquid Smoke Flavoring
1 tablespoon (to taste)
Chili Powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (standard)
Ground Cumin
1 teaspoon (standard)
Celery Seed
1/2 teaspoon (standard)
White Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (standard)
Cayenne Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
V8 Juice
3/4 cup (standard)
Finely Ground Cornmeal
1/4 cup (for thickening)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, brown the ground chuck over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain approximately half of the excess oil.
2
Add the finely ground pepperoni and grated onions to the skillet. Continue to sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until the onions are softened.
3
Mix in the kosher salt, light brown sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, celery seed, white pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well to incorporate the spices into the meat mixture.
4
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the tomato paste, liquid smoke, and V8 juice, bringing the mixture to a low simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5
Once simmering, gradually add the finely ground cornmeal, stirring to combine. Let the chili cook low and slow for an additional 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and thicken.
6
Ladle the chili over hotdogs or grilled burgers. Top with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and minced onions, or for a classic Coney Dog experience, drizzle with yellow mustard and sprinkle with onions.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coney Island Delight Chili?
It is a savory, street-food style chili inspired by New York's Coney Island, featuring ground chuck and ground pepperoni.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of ground chuck and 1/3 lb of finely ground pepperoni.
How should I prepare the pepperoni?
The pepperoni should be processed in a food processor until it is finely ground.
What is the best way to prepare the onions for the chili base?
The white onions should be grated on a microplane to ensure a fine texture that blends well into the sauce.
How many servings does this chili recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 5 servings.
Can I use this chili on hotdogs?
Yes, it is designed to be ladled over hotdogs for an authentic Coney Island style meal.
Is this chili suitable for burgers?
Absolutely, it works perfectly as a hearty topping for grilled burgers.
What category of meal is Coney Island Delight Chili?
It is categorized under Lunch and Snacks.
What spices are used in the chili?
The spice blend includes chili powder, ground cumin, celery seed, white pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Why is cornmeal added to the recipe?
Finely ground cornmeal is used to thicken the chili and help the flavors meld together.
How long should I simmer the chili after adding the tomato paste?
Allow the mixture to cook at a low simmer for about 10 minutes before adding the cornmeal.
What is the final cooking time for the chili?
Once the cornmeal is added, you should let it cook low and slow for an additional 15 minutes.
How much salt is required for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, or to taste.
What type of sugar is used to balance the savory flavors?
1 tablespoon of packed light brown sugar is added to the spice mixture.
How is the smoky flavor achieved?
The smoky undertones come from adding 1 tablespoon of liquid smoke flavoring.
How much ground chuck do I need to buy?
You will need 1 pound of ground chuck for this recipe.
How much pepperoni is needed?
The recipe requires 1/3 pound of pepperoni.
What kind of juice is used in the chili base?
3/4 cup of V8 juice is used as part of the liquid base.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, after browning the ground chuck, you should drain approximately half of the excess oil.
What are the recommended toppings for the chili?
It is recommended to top the dish with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, minced onions, and a drizzle of yellow mustard.
How many tablespoons of onion go into the chili?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of microplaned white onions.
Is the chili spicy?
It has a mild to moderate heat provided by 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Can I use a food processor for the pepperoni?
Yes, a food processor is recommended to get the pepperoni to a finely ground consistency.
What is the quantity of tomato paste used?
You will need 16 ounces of standard tomato paste.
Which specific peppers provide the heat?
White pepper and cayenne pepper are used to provide the spicy notes.
What is the purpose of browning the meat first?
Browning the ground chuck ensures the meat is fully cooked and enhances the overall savory flavor of the chili.
When do I add the cornmeal?
The cornmeal is added gradually after the initial 10-minute simmer of the meat and tomato mixture.
Can I serve this with cheddar cheese?
Yes, sharp cheddar cheese is an excellent topping for this dish.
Does this recipe contain celery?
The recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of celery seed for flavor.
What defines a classic Coney Dog experience?
Drizzling the chili with yellow mustard and sprinkling it with minced onions over a hotdog creates the classic experience.