Ultimate Fresh Garden Chili
This Ultimate Fresh Garden Chili is a labor of love, developed over years of culinary experimentation to create a bowl of chili that is rich, hearty, and bursting with fresh flavors. Inspired by the vibrant ingredients available at local farmers' markets, this chili incorporates only the freshest vegetables and minimal canned goods, ensuring a delightful and authentic taste in every bite. The natural sweetness of ripe Roma tomatoes marries wonderfully with the earthy taste of ground chuck and the zesty kick from jalapeños, while the fresh herbs and spices enhance the overall depth of flavor. Perfect for cozy gatherings, game day, or a satisfying weeknight meal, this chili is sure to impress even the most discerning chili aficionados. With its customizable heat level depending on your preference for jalapeños, it’s no wonder this recipe has earned accolades in competitive chili cook-offs!
32
Servings
110
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chili beans
6 (14 1/2 ounce) cans (unrinsed, preferably Bush's)
Ground chuck
2 lbs (browned)
Garlic cloves
8 (minced or pressed)
Water
4 cups (for the chili base)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (to balance flavors)
Salt
2 teaspoons (to taste)
Ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Chili powder
2 teaspoons (for spice)
Cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (ground)
Roma tomatoes
3 lbs (diced, fresh)
Green bell peppers
2 (diced)
Red bell peppers
2 (diced)
Green onion
1 bunch (chopped)
Large onion
1 (diced, preferably Walla Walla Sweet)
Jalapeño peppers
3 (sliced and puréed with water)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground chuck until thoroughly cooked, adding the minced garlic halfway through to release its fragrant aroma.
2
While the beef is browning, in an 8-quart pot, combine the chili beans (unrinsed), water, sugar, salt, black pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Stir to blend the ingredients and set the pot over medium heat.
3
Prepare the fresh vegetables by dicing the Roma tomatoes, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, and the Walla Walla sweet onion. Finely chop the green onions, reserving some for garnish later.
4
Add the diced vegetables to the 8-quart pot, stirring frequently to incorporate them into the mixture as they begin to soften.
5
Slice the jalapeño peppers, then place them into a food processor with about a cup of water. Purée until smooth, then add this mixture to the pot, stirring to combine.
6
Once the ground chuck is completely cooked and browned, transfer it into the 8-quart pot as well. Stir all ingredients together to create a uniform mixture.
7
Bring the chili to just below boiling, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
8
Serve hot, garnished with the reserved green onions, and enjoy your Ultimate Fresh Garden Chili!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
6g
Carbs
7.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Fresh Garden Chili?
It is a rich, hearty chili developed over years of experimentation, featuring fresh vegetables and minimal canned goods for an authentic taste.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 32 servings.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
Each serving contains 110 calories.
What type of beef is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of ground chuck.
Why is sugar included in the ingredients?
One teaspoon of sugar is added to help balance the overall flavors of the chili.
How long should the chili simmer?
The chili should simmer for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Should I rinse the chili beans before adding them?
No, the chili beans should be added unrinsed to the pot.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe requires 8 minced or pressed garlic cloves.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this chili?
3 lbs of fresh, diced Roma tomatoes are recommended.
How do I prepare the jalapeño peppers?
Slice the jalapeños and purée them with about a cup of water in a food processor before adding them to the pot.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this chili?
Yes, the heat level is customizable depending on your preference for jalapeños.
What are the primary spices used?
The key spices include 2 teaspoons of chili powder and 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 5g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this chili provide?
Each serving provides 7.5g of protein.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 6g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a game day event?
Yes, it is described as perfect for game day, cozy gatherings, or satisfying weeknight meals.
What makes this a "garden" chili?
It emphasizes fresh ingredients like bell peppers, Roma tomatoes, and onions instead of relying heavily on canned goods.
What size pot is recommended for cooking?
An 8-quart pot is recommended to accommodate all ingredients.
How should I garnish the chili?
Garnish the hot chili with reserved chopped green onions.
Which brand of chili beans is suggested?
Bush's chili beans are the preferred choice for this recipe.
Has this recipe won any awards?
Yes, it has earned accolades in competitive chili cook-offs.
What types of bell peppers are used?
The recipe uses 2 diced green bell peppers and 2 diced red bell peppers.
When should the garlic be added during cooking?
Add the minced garlic halfway through browning the ground chuck to release its aroma.
What specific onion variety is recommended?
A Walla Walla sweet onion is preferred for the diced onion component.
How much water is added to the chili base?
4 cups of water are added to the 8-quart pot as a base.
How many jalapeño peppers does the recipe call for?
The recipe uses 3 jalapeño peppers.
What is the total weight of Roma tomatoes used?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of fresh Roma tomatoes.
Does this recipe include cumin?
Yes, it includes 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to brown the ground chuck in a large skillet over medium heat.
Is this recipe considered a hearty soup?
Yes, it is tagged as a hearty soup and a comfort food.