Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hollywood Star Chili?
Hollywood Star Chili is a rich and hearty dish inspired by the iconic recipes of Chasen's, a legendary Hollywood eatery.
Which restaurant inspired this chili recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Chasen's, a beloved Hollywood restaurant famous for its celebrity clientele like Elizabeth Taylor.
Which Hollywood star was a known fan of this style of chili?
Elizabeth Taylor was one of the many stars who frequented Chasen's and enjoyed this type of chili.
What type of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 cups of pinto beans.
How should I prepare the pinto beans?
Rinse the pinto beans under cold water and boil them in 3 cups of water until tender, which takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
How much ground beef is needed for Hollywood Star Chili?
You will need 3 1/2 pounds of coarsely ground beef.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes 4 cups of chopped onions, 4 cups of chopped green peppers, and 2 tablespoons of chopped garlic.
How long should I cook the onions and green peppers?
Sautรฉ the onions and green peppers in vegetable oil for about 5 to 7 minutes until the onions are translucent.
When do I add the garlic and parsley?
The chopped garlic and parsley should be added to the skillet and cooked for 2 to 3 minutes once the onions and peppers are ready.
How is the beef cooked in this recipe?
The beef is browned in a large pot with 4 ounces of butter and a drizzle of oil for approximately 25 minutes.
When should the chili powder and cumin be added?
The chili powder and cumin should be stirred into the beef halfway through its 25-minute browning process.
How much chili powder is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of chili powder.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Use 5 cups of canned tomatoes, which can be either crushed or diced.
How long does the chili simmer after adding tomatoes?
After combining the beef, vegetables, and tomatoes, the chili should simmer for 60 minutes.
When are the pinto beans added to the main pot?
The tender pinto beans and their cooking liquid are added after the chili has simmered for the first hour.
How long is the final simmer?
The chili should simmer for an additional 30 minutes after the pinto beans are added.
What should I do with excess fat in the pot?
Before serving, you should skim off any excess fat from the surface of the chili.
What are the recommended toppings for this chili?
Recommended toppings include sour cream, fresh chopped onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and crispy crackers.
Is butter used in the cooking process?
Yes, 4 ounces of butter are used specifically for browning the beef.
How much cumin is in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of cumin.
What type of oil is best for sautรฉing the vegetables?
The recipe suggests using 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, the recipe uses 3.5 lbs of beef and 5 cups of tomatoes, making it suitable for a large group.
Can I soak the beans overnight?
Yes, you can rinse and soak the pinto beans overnight if desired before boiling them.
What amount of garlic is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped garlic.
How much parsley should I use?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh chopped parsley.
What kind of beef texture is recommended?
The recipe calls for coarsely ground beef to ensure a hearty texture.
How much black pepper is added for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground black pepper.
Should I drain the bean water?
No, you should add the beans along with any remaining cooking liquid into the chili pot.
How long does the whole process take?
Between bean prep, browning, and multiple simmering stages, the total time is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
With 1/2 cup of chili powder, it is flavorful and well-seasoned, but the heat level will depend on the specific chili powder blend used.