Did you know that February 23rd is National Chili Day? If not, now you do! This day is the perfect time to head to your local butcher shop, select the best cut of meat, and cook up a soul-warming meal for these chilly New England days – no pun intended. Okay, maybe we threw that in there on purpose. But, let’s get back to it.
Here at D’Errico’s Market, we love chili as much as the next person. But, we also know that selecting the right meat can make or break the meal. In this article, we’re talking about six of our favorite choices when it comes to making chili.
Ground beef is a classic and popular choice for chili. It’s versatile, easy to cook, and provides a rich, beefy flavor. Look for ground beef that is 85% lean and 15% fat for the best texture and flavor.
Pork shoulder, known as pork butt or Boston butt, is a flavorful and moist cut of pork perfect for chili. It’s a bit fattier than other pork cuts, making it ideal for slow cooking in a chili.
Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef, but it still provides a lot of flavor. It’s a perfect choice for chili if you’re looking for a healthier option.
Short ribs are a delicious and rich cut of beef that are perfect for chili. They are well-marbled and have a lot of flavor, making them a great choice for a hearty and satisfying chili.
Brisket is a cut of beef from the breast or lower chest of the cow. It’s a bit of a luxury cut and a bit more expensive, but it’s a perfect choice for chili. It’s packed with flavor and has a lot of fat which will keep it moist and tender even after slow cooking.
Cut into small cubes; chuck roast is another excellent option for chili. It’s a relatively inexpensive cut of beef that is well-marbled and provides a tender and flavorful bite.
When buying meat from a butcher shop, it’s important to look for high-quality cuts that are well-marbled and have a good amount of fat. These cuts provide the best flavor and texture in your chili. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different meats to create a unique chili recipe!
Visit D’Errico’s Market today for the finest meat selection in town!