The World in Chili
Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is the official chili of Texas. Often called ‘Texas Red’, it’s been the official state dish since 1977. Chile con carne is a very specific, regimented style—the only vegetables that are allowed are tomatoes—and even then, some Texan purists disagree on that. Chili con carne is a bowl of spiced, stewed beef that’s flavored with a variety of spices including cumin, allspice, and oregano. The bulk of the dish, and the majority of the flavoring comes from a multitude of dried chili pods.
This recipe specifies the inclusion of three sweet fresh chilies (like New Mexico or Choricero), two hot chilies (Arbol or Cascabel), and three rich and fruity chilies (like Ancho, Mulatto, or Pasilla). This is definitely not a recipe to make if you’re unable to get the correct chilies —substituting just won’t work.
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