Frequently Asked Questions
What is the base of the Ultimate Chili Supreme recipe?
The recipe uses Carroll Shelby's chili seasoning mix as a flavorful base, which is then enhanced with additional vegetables and spices.
What type of meat is used in this chili?
This recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground beef, which should be browned and drained before adding other ingredients.
Which vegetables are included in the Ultimate Chili Supreme?
The chili features chopped red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and onion for a fresh and robust flavor profile.
What kinds of beans are in this chili?
The recipe includes two (15 1/4 ounce) cans of kidney beans and one (15 ounce) can of black beans.
How do I prepare the beans for the chili?
The kidney beans and black beans should be drained and rinsed before being folded into the chili.
How many cans of chopped tomatoes are needed?
You will need two 14 1/2 ounce cans of chopped tomatoes, and they should be used undrained.
Is there tomato sauce in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires one 15 ounce can of tomato sauce.
What additional spices are added beyond the seasoning mix?
To enhance the flavor, the recipe adds 1 1/4 tablespoons of ground cumin, 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne powder, and 2 1/3 tablespoons of chili powder.
Why is brown sugar used in this chili?
A 1/2 cup of brown sugar is added to provide a touch of sweetness that balances the heat and acidity of the tomatoes.
How much water should I add to the pot?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of water to be mixed in with the tomatoes and sauce.
What is the purpose of the Mesa flour?
Mesa flour is used to thicken the chili. It should be mixed with a little water to create a slurry before being added to the pot.
How long does the beef and vegetable mixture cook before simmering?
The beef is browned first, then the peppers and onions are sautéed for about 5 minutes until tender.
How long should the chili simmer after adding the spices?
Once the spices and liquids are combined, let the chili simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
When do I add the beans and the thickening slurry?
The beans and mesa flour slurry are folded in after the initial 15-minute simmer.
How long is the final cooking stage?
After adding the beans and slurry, cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the chili is heated through and thickened.
What are the recommended toppings for Ultimate Chili Supreme?
It is best served topped with grated cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
What side dish pairs well with this chili?
This chili pairs beautifully with freshly baked cornbread.
How much Carroll Shelby's chili seasoning mix is required?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of Carroll Shelby's chili seasoning mix.
Is this chili considered spicy?
With cayenne powder, chili powder, and the seasoning mix, it has a robust kick, though the brown sugar helps balance the heat.
Do I need to drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using the chopped tomatoes undrained to include their juices in the base.
How many bell peppers are in the recipe?
The recipe uses two bell peppers in total: one red and one green.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one chopped onion, typically a yellow or white onion works best for this style of chili.
How much cayenne powder is used?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of cayenne powder.
What is the total amount of cumin in the recipe?
There are 1 1/4 tablespoons of ground cumin added to the chili.
Can I adjust the thickness of the chili?
Yes, by adjusting the amount of mesa flour slurry used in the final 10-15 minutes of cooking, you can reach your preferred consistency.
What is the first step in making the chili?
The first step is browning 2 lbs of ground beef in a large pot over medium heat and draining the excess fat.
Is white vinegar used in this recipe?
Yes, the ingredients list includes 3 tablespoons of white vinegar, which adds a bright acidity to the dish.
What makes this 'Supreme' compared to basic chili?
The 'Supreme' designation comes from the addition of fresh peppers, onions, multiple types of beans, and extra spices on top of a standard mix base.
How much chili powder is added?
The recipe requires 2 1/3 tablespoons of chili powder.
Is there salt in this recipe?
The recipe uses a bit of the salt packet included with the Carroll Shelby's chili mix seasoning.