Here in the U.S. there are as many regional varieties of chili as Carter has liver pills... however the main difference comes down to Texas chili and all others. Texans pride themselves on Mexican con carne style with no beans. Most other's use beans, generally what we call Pinto Beans... a Great Northern or white bean type that's somehat brown or speckled, but definitely not a kidney type bean. Here's a good Texas style chili recipe we've used for years:
About 2-3 lbs. of beef, preferably a chuck or round (don't use a fancy cut!)
1/2 lb. of the best double-smoked bacon you can find
2 large onions, chopped
1 Tb. ground cumin (or more to taste)
1-2 Tb. good quality chili powder (I use Santa Cruz hot, but adjust this for taste)
1-2 Tb. paprika (optional, for color and less heat)
2-4 cloves garlic (optional)
Water
Salt and pepper to taste
Cube the beef into bite-sized chunks. Dice the bacon. Heat a large heavy pot, fry the bacon until almost crisp. Scoop it out and set aside (so it won't get burnt). Then fry the meat in the bacon fat until browned on all sides -- you may have to do this in batches. Scoop out the meat and add to the bacon. Saute the onions (and garlic if you're using it) in the bacon. (Those who really get concerned can drain off some of the fat, but it won't be true Texan at that point.) When it's soft, throw in the cumin, chile powder, and paprika and cook briefly. Return the meat, cover with water and bring it to a boil. Taste and add salt, then cover and set it to simmer for a couple of hours. Thicken as needed with cornmeal or stale tortillas. Serve with sour cream or
cottage cheese, diced onions and, of course, beer. Like all good chilis this is best made a day in advance and reheated.
Contd.