My wife's a fantastic cook, so I don't cook a lot in our house. Essentially, if it's not bbq, lasagna or chili, I'm out of the kitchen.

Now, with the cooler weather finally here, it's time to start making some chili! Typically, I make about 5 lbs at a time, using cubes instead of ground beef. I like fresh peppers instead of dried, but I use what I can get my hands on at the time. Bacon is a key ingredient, I add Vidalia onions for a little sweetness, and beer and tequila are absolute necessities.

Serve it atop some rice with some grated cheese, throw in a few pieces of cornbread, and I'm in heaven!

One thing you'll notice is missing is beans. I don't believe chili should have beans in it (partially because I can't eat beans -- the dry, mushy texture doesn't work for me). My wife likes them, as do our friends who come over to eat with us. I cook them on the side, using a bit of the broth from the chili pot, and they can add as they please.

Your thoughts?
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NO BEANS!!!

Sounds like youve got a delish dish there bro.

I hate beans also...

I believe (and Im sure somebody will correct me if I am wrong) that competition chili is beanless- meat only (and chunks of meat, not hamburger)
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I can it eat with beans or without. Personally I make mine with beans and ground beef. But I may start trying to make chili with the cubed or chopped beef soon. I had the pleasure of judging a few chili competitions (nothing big, just a few school fundraisers) and I tended to like the chili(s) with different ingredients or flavors like pork, chicken, a hint of barbeque, etc. :-)

That being said, Skyline Chili must be served without beans :-)
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I like beans in my chili, but it's not a requirement. Just don't use the kidney beans out of a can, get some real beans and cook them right. I have been through a number of chili recipes, but found this one a couple of years ago. It uses Ancho and Chipotles that you make into a sauce and then add it to the pot. I like the part about the Huxtables and waiting for the chili to be great.

http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/fo...M-CHILI-108488
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I prefer my chili to have beans.
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I have to agree on the waiting part. It always tastes better as leftovers.
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Chili purists will say no beans. I however am not a purist, I like beans and add them along with beef (chunks and ground) fresh peppers and onions, canned and fresh tomatoes, fresh garlic, canned chipotles, salt, pepper, ancho chile powder,a little raw sugar, cumin, oregano, dark cocoa pwdr, cinnamon, and beer. I make a big batch every labor day weekend for my party, don't get any complaints. (except a little grumbling from my wife who also doesn't like beans and just picks them out)
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I do beans... half kidney and half pinto. For meat I use chunks of BBQed brisket. Not to brag or anything... but it is the BOMB!!
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never thought of adding that.. does it really add to the dish?

I do agree that chili, and most stews, taste better the next day.
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I hear that brotha!

And.... I prefer beans as well.
I can do without, but my world famous chili has beans.
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Not a chili purist by a long shot here, so I like my chili with lots of beans, served over white rice with shredded cheddar on top.
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I prefer without beans but my wife does throw them in there. I also like it hotter than hell. Got a receipe on another forum for a smoked brisket chili, must be gooooooooodd.......
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I vote "Beans"!!
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I'm a bean man myself.
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If it tastes good, I'll eat it without regard to beans.

I have recipes for both ways. The most recent batch had beans, but more often I make it without.
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I hate the consistency of beans so I will just eat around them if they are present.
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Funny, I'm having chili as I type.

Anyway, chili is not chili if you have no beans.

This is non debatable. :-)

Next question.
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I use fresh venison and beans.....to each his own, its all good for the most part:-)
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I will eat anything but make mine with beans.
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I have two chili recipes I swear by: one with beans, one without. The one with beans also has sirloin tips, andouille and bacon :-)

While up in DC for a meeting not too long ago, I had lunch at the Smithsonian American Indian Museum. They have a very interesting cafe, serving tribal foods from various native cultures (Plains, Woodland, Northwest, South American, etc.) I had buffalo chili, which was great. :-)
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