Ultimate County Fair Chili Extravaganza
Get ready to indulge in the rich and hearty flavors of the Ultimate County Fair Chili Extravaganza! This recipe is the culmination of years of experimentation and tweaking, resulting in a chili that's so good, you'll want to make it time and time again. Perfect for chilly evenings or a summer cookout, this chili packs a punch with a medley of vegetables and a variety of meats. Whether you're hosting a party, participating in a chili cook-off, or simply stocking your freezer, this dish is guaranteed to impress. With approximately 30 servings, it's perfect for large gatherings yet easy to freeze for later enjoyment. Each bite is a burst of flavor, and serve it up with your favorite toppings: cheddar cheese, sour cream, crusty bread, or crunchy nacho chips. Plus, it makes the best chili dogs you've ever had! Just remember, if you win a ribbon at the fair, Iād love a postcard from your town and your top pie recipe in return!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
27
Ingredients
Ingredients
canned tomatoes
28 ounces (whole)
tomato sauce
28 ounces (none)
tomato paste
12 ounces (none)
water
8 ounces (none)
large onion
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
3-5 (minced)
celery stalks
4-5 (chopped)
green pepper
1 (chopped)
sweet red pepper
1 (chopped)
chili peppers
5 (whole with slits)
jalapeno peppers
5 (whole with slits)
zucchini
1 (chopped)
eggplant
1 (chopped)
baby carrots
2 cups (whole)
button mushrooms
20-30 (whole)
frozen corn
2 cups (none)
steak
1 pound (diced)
ground chicken
1 pound (or ground pork)
dark red kidney beans
20 ounces (cooked)
black turtle beans
20 ounces (cooked)
lentils
20 ounces (cooked)
oregano
1 pinch (use sparingly)
basil
to taste (none)
nutmeg
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (none)
cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
to taste (none)
cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, combine all of the ingredients except for the all-purpose chili peppers and jalapeno peppers. Stir well to combine.
2
Bring the mixture to a large boil over medium-high heat.
3
Once boiling, reduce to low heat and cover, allowing to simmer for 5-10 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
After a few hours, carefully add the chili peppers and jalapeno peppers, with their stems sticking up out of the chili for easy removal later.
5
Taste the chili periodically and adjust seasonings like basil, black pepper, nutmeg, and salt to suit your preference.
6
Once finished, serve hot with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheddar, sour cream, and chips. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate County Fair Chili Extravaganza?
It is a rich and hearty chili perfected through years of experimentation, featuring a medley of vegetables, meats, and unique spices.
How many servings does this chili recipe make?
This recipe is designed for large gatherings and makes approximately 30 servings.
Is this chili recipe freezer friendly?
Yes, it is easy to freeze for later enjoyment, making it perfect for meal prep.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should be covered and allowed to simmer on low heat for 5 to 10 hours.
What types of meat are included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one pound of diced steak and one pound of ground chicken or ground pork.
Can I make a vegetarian version of this chili?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as having a vegetarian option, likely by omitting the steak and ground meat while keeping the diverse vegetables and beans.
What vegetables are used in this chili?
The ingredients include onion, garlic, celery, green and sweet red peppers, zucchini, eggplant, baby carrots, button mushrooms, and frozen corn.
How should the whole chili and jalapeno peppers be prepared?
They should have slits cut into them and be placed in the chili with their stems sticking up for easy removal later.
When do I add the chili and jalapeno peppers?
Add the peppers after the chili has already been simmering for a few hours.
Why are the pepper stems left sticking up?
The stems are left sticking up so you can easily identify and remove the whole peppers before serving.
What types of beans are featured in this recipe?
The recipe uses dark red kidney beans and black turtle beans.
Does this chili contain lentils?
Yes, it includes 20 ounces of cooked lentils.
What unique flavor enhancers are used in the spice mix?
This recipe uses cocoa powder, nutmeg, and cinnamon to create a complex flavor profile.
How much cocoa powder is required?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder.
What are the recommended toppings for this chili?
Suggested toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, crusty bread, or crunchy nacho chips.
Can this chili be used for chili dogs?
Yes, the description notes it makes the best chili dogs you have ever had.
What type of pot is recommended for cooking?
A large Dutch oven is recommended to hold the large volume of ingredients.
How much garlic is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 to 5 minced garlic cloves.
Are the baby carrots chopped?
No, the recipe specifies 2 cups of whole baby carrots.
How many mushrooms are added?
The recipe uses 20 to 30 whole button mushrooms.
What seasonings should be adjusted to taste?
You should taste and adjust basil, black pepper, nutmeg, and salt periodically during the cooking process.
How much tomato paste is needed?
The recipe requires 12 ounces of tomato paste.
Is there water added to the chili base?
Yes, the recipe calls for 8 ounces of water.
What is the first step of the cooking process?
Combine all ingredients except the whole peppers in a Dutch oven and bring the mixture to a large boil.
How should the zucchini and eggplant be prepared?
Both the zucchini and eggplant should be chopped before being added to the pot.
Is this recipe suitable for a chili cook-off?
Yes, it is described as an award-winning style chili perfect for fairs and competitions.
What does the author ask for if you win a fair ribbon?
The author requests a postcard from your town and your top pie recipe.
Is the corn used fresh, canned, or frozen?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of frozen corn.
Is this considered a one-pot meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-pot meal for easy cleanup.
Is the chili considered spicy?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy and contains 5 chili peppers and 5 jalapeno peppers.