Best 3 California Chili Recipes

"California chili" is a unique take on traditional chili. It features a blend of sweet and smoky flavors, with a hearty base of fresh vegetables and ground beef. The addition of fruits, such as peaches or apricots, adds a subtle sweetness that balances out the spicy chili peppers. Some variations may also include chocolate or coffee for an extra layer of richness. While there are many different recipes for California chili, they all share a common goal: to create a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for your next party, this article will help you find the best recipe for California chili to suit your needs.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

CALIFORNIA PEPPER CHILI

California Pepper Chili image

In my opinion, this is the world's best chili! It features three meats in a peppery eye-opening broth. I've been a Taste of Home reader for 5 years...and I make something from my magazines almost every day. -Robyn Thompson Los Angeles, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Lunch

Time 1h20m

Yield 10 servings (2-1/2 quarts).

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1/2 pound bacon, diced
2-1/2 pounds beef stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
1-1/2 pounds pork stew meat, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
2 medium onions, chopped
6 to 8 garlic cloves, minced
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped seeded fresh serrano chili peppers
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped seeded fresh poblano chili peppers
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped seeded fresh jalapeno peppers
2 to 3 teaspoons cayenne pepper
1-1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 can (15 ounces) tomato puree
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
7 plum tomatoes, chopped
Shredded cheddar cheese, optional

Steps:

In a Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels; drain, reserving 3 tablespoons drippings. , In the drippings, cook the beef, pork and onions until meat is no longer pink; drain. Add the garlic, peppers and seasonings; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes., Stir in the tomato puree, broth and tomatoes. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 1 to 1-1/2 hours or until meat is tender. Garnish with reserved bacon and cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts :

CALIFORNIA VEGETABLE AND CHICKPEA CHILI

California Vegetable and Chickpea Chili image

Provided by James Villas

Categories Bean Vegetable Super Bowl Vegetarian Low Cal Fall

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 medium-size onions, chopped
1 celery rib, chopped
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
2 medium-size yellow squash or zucchini, scrubbed, ends trimmed, and chopped
Two 32-ounce cans chickpeas (garbanzo beans), drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander (cilantro) leaves
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried, crumbled
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves, or 1/2 teaspoon dried, crumbled
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cayenne pepper to taste
4 large, ripe tomatoes, chopped and juices retained
1 1/2 cups tomato juice

Steps:

In a large, heavy pot, heat the oil over moderate heat, then add the onions, celery, bell pepper, and garlic, and cook, stirring, till softened, about 2 minutes. Add the squash and cook, stirring, 3 minutes longer to soften. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well. Reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover, and cook for 1 hour, adding a little water if the stew begins to get too thick.

CALIFORNIA CHILI

California Chili image

This is a wonderful tasting all meat, no bean chili. The flavor of this is enhanced if it is made 24 hours in advance. For the best results use a dutch oven. A large pot also works. It may also work in a crockpot but I haven't tried that yet.

Provided by Engrossed

Categories Steak

Time 3h25m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 21

Ingredients

4 medium tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
1 1/2 cups water
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed
4 tablespoons lard or 4 tablespoons bacon drippings
2 lbs round steaks, trimmed and cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 lb lean pork, cut into 1/4 inch cubes
1 tablespoon flour
5 tablespoons chili powder
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup pitted black olives, coarsely chopped
1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded

Steps:

In a medium saucepan simmer the tomatoes, water, 1 large onion, celery, 1/2 tsp salt and pepper for 30 minutes covered and another 30 minutes uncovered. Set aside.
In the meantime, in a large dutch oven over medium heat, saute the medium onion, green pepper, and garlic in the lard for 3-5 minutes. With a slotted spoon remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
Add the meats to the dutch oven and brown over medium-high heat for 5-8 minutes. Add more lard if necessary. Add the flour to the browned meats, stirring well. Simmer for 2 minutes.
Return the vegetable mixture to the dutch oven with the meats. Add the chili powder, bay leaves, 1 tbsp salt, brown sugar, oregano, and vinegar. Add the tomato sauce. Stir. Cover and simmer over low heat for 2 hours. Add more water if necessary (It should be thick).
Add the olives and cheese and simmer covered for an additional 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove bay leaves.
Serve in bowls with finely chopped onions and more cheese if desired.
Good with a tossed salad and corn bread.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417, Fat 21.1, SaturatedFat 8.3, Cholesterol 116.7, Sodium 1389.7, Carbohydrate 13.4, Fiber 4, Sugar 5.6, Protein 43.4

Tips:

Use a variety of chili peppers: This will give your chili a complex and flavorful heat. Some good options include ancho, pasilla, guajillo, and chipotle peppers.
Soak the dried chili peppers before using them: This will help to soften them and release their flavor.
Toast the spices before adding them to the chili: This will help to bring out their flavor and aroma.
Use a good quality beef broth: This will help to give your chili a rich flavor.
Brown the beef before adding it to the chili: This will help to develop flavor and prevent the beef from becoming tough.
Simmer the chili for at least 1 hour: This will help to develop the flavors and allow the chili to thicken.
Serve the chili with your favorite toppings: Some good options include cheese, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro.

Conclusion:

California chili is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a very versatile dish, so you can easily customize it to your own taste. Whether you like your chili mild or spicy, with or without beans, or with a variety of toppings, there is sure to be a California chili recipe that you will love. So next time you are looking for a delicious and easy meal, give California chili a try. You won't be disappointed!

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...

Check it out »

#time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #preparation #occasion #main-dish #beef #pork #dinner-party #fall #winter #chili #dietary #seasonal #meat #steaks #pork-loins #presentation #served-hot #4-hours-or-less