Mom’s Chili Recipe
This Mom’s Chili is the ultimate comfort food—a deeply flavorful blend of hearty meats, savory spices, tender beans, and a surprise twist of chocolate and masa harina that sets it apart. Rich, bold, and satisfying, it’s the kind of chili that wins hearts (and contests).
Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Neutral-flavored oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Large onion, diced | 1 |
| Chili powder | 6 tablespoons |
| Ground cumin | 4 teaspoons |
| Ground coriander | 2 teaspoons |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 2 teaspoons |
| Ground black pepper | ½ teaspoon |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Ground beef | 2 lbs |
| Ground pork | 1 lb |
| Diced tomatoes (with juice) | 4 (15 oz) cans |
| Pinto beans (drained, rinsed) | 2 (15 oz) cans |
| Bay leaves | 3 |
| Masa harina | 2 tablespoons |
| Semi-sweet baking chocolate | 2 oz |
Instructions:
- Cook Onions & Toast Spices:
In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to release the full aroma and flavor of the spices. - Add Garlic:
Mix in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant. - Brown the Meat:
Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned all over. Drain any excess fat, if needed. - Build the Chili:
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), pinto beans, and bay leaves. Stir well. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help the flavors meld. - Finish with Chocolate & Masa:
Once the chili has simmered and developed deep flavor, discard the bay leaves. Stir in the chocolate and masa harina. Cook for another 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chocolate has melted and the chili has slightly thickened.
