February 25^th is National Chili Day, and we couldn’t be more excited. From fresh chicken to ground beef, the possibilities are truly endless when it comes to crafting an original chili recipe. In excitement for the upcoming day, we’re presenting you with a few of our favorite variations.

Fresh Chicken Chili

Being so close to the new year, many are still sticking to those resolutions and opting for nothing but healthy. If this sounds familiar, fresh chicken chili is the way to go! Lighter on calories and packed with veggies, this chili is far from traditional, but nothing to snub your nose at.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh chicken breast chopped into bite-sized pieces
• Bell pepper, celery, zucchini, fresh tomatoes, baby spinach, and a small onion – chopped
• 1 can of black beans
• 3 garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 cup of water
• Chili poser, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, kosher salt – to taste

Begin by heating your oil and adding the garlic and onions. Once translucent, add the chopped chicken and continue cooking.

Once the chicken is nearly cooked but not quite done, add the tomato paste, water, fresh tomatoes, and seasonings. Allow this to simmer for about 3 minutes.

Next, add the black beans, celery, and bell pepper (if you like things a bit spicy, you may add additional peppers to your liking). Stir and bring to a boil. If the mixture is too thick, slowly add more water until your desired consistency is reached. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes.

Serve hot with a bit of fresh Romano cheese for a truly indulgent experience!

Traditional Beef Chili

For those of you leaning towards a classic chili, slow cooked to perfection, this recipe is for you! It’s important to note that the International Chili Society considers chili as a combination of meats cooked with red chili peppers, spices, and vegetables. However, by no means is pasta or beans to be included!

Here is a quick overview of one of our favorites from 2018 winner George Rives. For the full recipe, click here to read George’s Chili Gang Homestyle Chili.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds of freshly ground beef, ½ pound of ground pork
• Chicken broth, Beef broth
• Pinto chili beans, diced tomatoes, green chili, onion, jalapeno peppers
• Tomato sauce, Tabasco sauce
• George’s spice mix: see recipe link above for full ingredient list

This recipe begins with cooking the meat, adding the broth and veggies, and simmering for two hours. After the time has passed, a bit of heat and spices are added before simmering for another 30 minutes.

While it takes a while to cook, be sure to have a towel ready because this recipe is HOT, yet one that will keep you going back for more!

Whether it’s fresh chicken chili or slow cooked spicy beef chili, we can’t wait to see what you come up with on February 25^th! Be sure to check in with us on Facebook! And remember, for the freshest ingredients around, stop by D’Erricos Market on 127 Cambridge Street in Worcester!