Best 2 California Pepper Chili Recipes

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a culinary journey to the Golden State with California pepper chili, a delectable dish that embodies the vibrant flavors of the West Coast. This versatile chili boasts two sensational variations, the classic California pepper chili and the vegetarian California pepper chili, ensuring that every palate finds its perfect match. Bursting with roasted red bell peppers, succulent tomatoes, and an array of aromatic spices, these chili recipes promise a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul and leave you craving more. Whether you prefer the hearty indulgence of beef and pork or the wholesome goodness of plant-based ingredients, California pepper chili has something for everyone. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that celebrates the vibrant spirit of California.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

THE BEST CHILI

The Best Chili image

There are a thousand ways to make chili, but this is the quintessential, totally classic version. We used ground beef, kidney beans and the perfect blend of spices. You can slather it on hot dogs and burgers or serve it as a dip, but it can surely stand on its own. Chances are, you have everything you need right in your pantry. Top it with your favorite garnishes and serve with plenty of tortilla chips.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories main-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 pound ground beef chuck, preferably coarse grind (see Cook's Note)
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef broth
One 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, crushed
Two 15.5-ounce cans kidney beans, undrained
Sour cream, shredded Cheddar and sliced scallions, for serving
Tortilla chips, for serving

Steps:

Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until just browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
Add the jalapeno and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the tomato paste. Cook, stirring frequently, until coated and fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the cooked ground beef and any accumulated liquid, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the chili, partially covered, until the beef is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
Stir in the beans and their liquid and simmer uncovered until the beans are softened and the chili is thickened, about 30 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
Top with sour cream, Cheddar and scallions. Serve with tortilla chips.

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 for Making the Best California Pepper Chili

Use fresh, ripe peppers: This will give your chili the best flavor.
Roast the peppers before adding them to the chili: This will help to bring out their sweetness and smokiness.
Use a variety of beans: This will add different textures and flavors to your chili.
Add some corn and diced tomatoes: This will give your chili a nice sweetness and acidity.
Season your chili to taste: Be sure to add enough salt, pepper, and chili powder to taste.
Simmer your chili for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve your chili with your favorite toppings: Such as sour cream, cheese, and avocado.

Conclusion

California pepper chili is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover peppers and beans. So next time you are looking for a hearty and flavorful meal, give California pepper chili a try.