Chili…. With Beans

I realize that beans in chili is a very polarizing argument. I also know that here in TX, beans in chili is not only just not done, but goes over about as well as Ted Nugent at a PETA convention. And still I do it, and I do it unapologetically. Here’s why: I want to. Yep, that about sums it up.
If you want more reasons, I can give you three:
1) beans are good for you, and anytime I can get fiber in a meal that my husband and kid will eat, I’m going to, cultural traditions be damned.
2) I’ve lived in Texas for roughly 12 years now, it is my home, but I’m not technically from here, I’m from Wyoming originally, where its common to put beans in your chili.
3) I love Texas food, I do, but whether you are PETA, or the ‘Nuge in this scenario, it’s just food. Go ahead, break the rules, go against tradition… It’ll be ok.

Here is how I made this one:

Chili Recipe

Ingredients
1 lb Ground Beef
1 lb Ground Pork
2 cans diced Tomato
1 can Tomato Sauce
1 can Black Beans, rinsed
2 cloves Garlic
4 sprigs Thyme
3 small fresh Bay Leaves
1 Tbs Cumin
1 Tbs Chipotle Powder
Salt
1/2 tsp Anise
1/2 tsp Oregano

Instructions
1. Brown meat in pan
2. Add in diced onions
3. Add minced garlic while onions are cooking
4. Add spices
5. Stir in tomatoes and sauce
6. Add Thyme and Bay Leaves
7. Simmer for 30 mins to a couple hours
8. Remove Thyme and Bay Leaves
9. Serve with Shredded Cheese if desired

Salt generously, usually every time I add an ingredient, I add a pinch of salt, but that’s with everything I make. If you want to play with the rations of seasonings, or add, take out, whatever. If you want to add paprika, knock yourself out. I don’t do paprika.

Another thing I don’t do, is play into the whole mentality that chili needs to be as spicy as you can stand it. While I can tolerate a great deal more heat than the average person, I would prefer to taste my food, and not blow out my palate. There have been many of times when eating something that people say it’s too hot, and it’s not a blip on my radar, I have no one to impress, though, is anyone really impressed by another’s ability to eat spicy food? Chili should taste good. At the very least, you should be able to taste it, not tolerate it. Again, though, I’m a rebel, and break the rules.

Long story short, play with your food. Enjoy it, and add whatever you want. What’s the worst that could happen? You end up making a PB&J?