Back in early Summer Larry from Big Dude’s Eclectic Ramblings had a giveaway on his blog. He was giving away his homemade chili powder to 3 lucky winners. I was one of the winners. He uses high quality herbs and spices from Penzy’s in his chili blend. It is made up of chipotle pepper, ancho pepper, garlic powder, ground cumin, Mexican oregano, paprika, onion powder, cilantro, and thyme powder.
All I can tell you is that it is like chili in a jar. One sniff of it will transport you to visions of a big pot of chili. Larry asked for feedback on his blend and all I can say is “don’t change a thing”. This is now the blend I will use in every pot of chili that I make. I think he should market it.
With Fall in the air I knew it was time to get out my big, deep cast iron pot to make a batch of chili. My chili has always been made as a whim on my part. I have made it with chunks of beef, flavored it with chocolate, and made one pot with so many peppers in it that our guests couldn’t eat it. There has never been a set recipe. But this pot turned out so well that I am committing it to memory and this post.
I like contrast in a bowl of chili so I used three kinds of beans; black beans, cannellini beans and chili beans (flavored pinto beans). I wanted a quick chili so I used ground beef. The sauce was a combination of canned crushed tomatoes and canned marinara sauce. But what made it really good was Larry’s chili powder blend.
Thanks Larry for a great gift. When I run out I will gladly pay you for a new supply.
MY FAVORITE CHILI
1 1/3 pounds ground chuck
1 large onion, chopped
3 heaping tablespoons Chili Blend
Salt and pepper to taste
1 28 ounce can crushed, peeled Italian tomatoes
1 1/2 cups Marinara Sauce (I like Rao’s Homemade Sauce)
1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15 ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 15 ounce can Harvest Farms Organic chili beans (not drained)
Cayenne pepper to taste (I did not use it. The blend was just right for my taste)
Brown ground beef and onion in a pot until cooked through. Drain off fat. Return to stove and add chili blend and salt and pepper. Cook stirring for a few minutes. Add canned tomatoes and marinara sauce. Reduce heat to low and cook stirring occasionally for about 30 minutes. Add beans and continue to cook for an additional 30 minutes on low heat. Add cayenne pepper if chili is not hot enough for you.
Thanks for the high praise Penny and I’m pleased you enjoyed it. Let me know when you run out.
Your chili looks sooo good. I bet Larry’s blend is fantastic. He knows a thing or two about chili.
Sam
I can almost smell it it looks so good.
All right, Larry. You really need to share this recipe. Penny is a compelling spokesperson for you. Looks delicious, Penny. And, Happy Birthday!!!
Thank you Susan.
Penzy’s is always featuring people (in the catalog) who use their products and share their recipes, I suggest you or Big Dude submit his creation. I would love some of his concoction. My chili varies like yours, but when one is really outstanding it is always good to write it down. Yours looks delicious. I am getting ready to make my first pot of chili soon.
Is it your birthday? Happy Birthday!!! Your chili looks wonderful. Great picture too!!!
Hugs,
Penny
Thanks Penny. I doubt if the picture is FG quality. LOL.
The weather is just starting to cool here in Hollywood, so it’s time for me to start making dishes like this one too. Love the picture with the place setting especially!
What a hearty dish! I love making a pot of chili and like you, there never seem to be two alike… Just reading the ingredients in Larry’s Chili Blend and you know it is going to be delicious!
Dear Penny, This is a beautiful dish. I enjoy my visits to Big Dude. He is a good cook.
The photo’s came out beautiful. Blessings dear. Catherine xo
Penny,this looks wonderful and you gave a terrific review of Larry’s chili powder. Have a great day. Blessings…Mary
I wish I had a pot of your chili with Larry’s chili mix bubbling away right now. It is 33 degrees outside!! I don’t have a set recipe either and have never used a mix of beans. I like the idea.
Best,
Bonnie
That is gorgeous – and I love the sound of the chili mix… The weather is starting to turn cooler here – chili and soup season. I can’t wait!
I love chili… and now this is my chili’s recipe.
I like try new flavors In addition to the Italians.
Thank you for this recipe.
Bye from Italy
Penny, Is it ok to admit that I am seriously coveting your dishes and your tablescape? I am, I admit it and the chili looks equally delicious. I’m always looking for a better chili recipe. I’ll have to try this one. I love Larry’s blog. He should market that chili mix.
I have some of Larry’s Chili Seasoning also, I think it’s the best I’ve ever tasted.