Beef and Sausage Chili with Cumin
Beef and Sausage Chili with Cumin
Measuring Up: “Next to jazz music, there is nothing that lifts the spirit and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili.” Harry James.
This is the story of how chili and football made two very different men friends.
I have to say that I was a little nervous the first time my dad met my (now) husband. Not because of the proverbial “Is he good enough for my daughter?” routine, but because they could not be more unlike. Adam was born in Peru and grew up in Europe. He’s a trained jazz musician, a photographer, an all-around Bohemian who speaks four languages and a freelancer. To my dad, that was code for “unemployed.” Dad is a quiet man, who hails from Sweetwater, Tennessee, who worked on a farm as a boy, was so strong that he broke a guy’s legs playing high school football (not on purpose, mind you) and ran his own business working 6, sometimes 7, days a week for almost 40 years. He can repair anything and is a huge sports fan. He also makes a mean pot of chili. I knew that my dad would eventually grow to love Adam, but it was the “getting-to-know-you” phase that was in question. My dad’s a wonderfully accepting person with a heart the size of Texas, but I was concerned as to what the heck they would find in common to talk about.
Adam must have been a bit apprehensive about this initial meeting, too, because when we pulled into my folks’ driveway, he accidentally left the gear shift in neutral and forgot to set the parking brake. Quite unheard of for a man who loves his cars like they were his first born. We climbed the stairs to the side entrance, rang the bell and as my parents opened the door to welcome us, we all watched in disbelief as our car slowly rolled into the carport, wiping out the hand railing. Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression. Property damage is not the way to go. Dad looked at the scene, looked at Adam who was in the beginning throws of mortification and self-loathing, and, without missing a beat, calmly reassured the now very nervous future son-in-law, “Well, I’ve been meaning to take that down anyway.” After a good group chuckle and resetting the car’s position (and, um, the parking brake), we all walked into their house to the tantalizing smell of chili glurping and bubbling away on the stove and to the sound of referee whistles from the television. It was Sunday afternoon during season and that meant football–always football, and a pot of chili.
Mom and I went into the kitchen to catch up and fuss about to give the boys a chance to get acquainted. Curiosity got the better of me, so I quietly listened in on their conversation (okay, fine, I was eavesdropping). Adam, only understanding the rules of European football (a.k.a. soccer), was questioning Dad about the game. I smiled to myself, thinking how sweet he was and how smart of him to engage my father in something that he was passionate about. But what I didn’t realize was that Adam began to enjoy it. Also unheard of for this self-proclaimed non-fan and not a happy thing for this future football widow. Over the course of the next several years, this became their ritual. What started out as a conversational ice-breaker morphed into my husband’s genuine interest in the sport. So, basically, my father and my husband bonded over a rickety hand rail, football and bowls of chili.
This is my spin on what my dad makes. He always kids that no two pots of his chili are alike because he never measures anything-just a pinch of this and a little of that until it’s just right. Every batch is slightly different, but always delicious. I think he’d approve of my jazzed-up version. This beefy chili makes a great Super Bowl party, is perfect for down-and-dirty moving day or for yet another evening that you’re snowed in, or is just good for dinner any night. A one-pot wonder that’s easy on your wallet, too. Tasty and economical. Touchdown!
Beef and Sausage Chili with Cumin
Beef and Sausage Chili with Cumin
Author: Cheryl Beverage Barnes
Recipe type: Chili
Serves: 8
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- one 15-ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- one 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- one 14-1/2-ounce can petite-cut tomatoes
- 46-ounce bottle vegetable juice
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 3 teaspoons ground cumin
- pinch of sugar
- hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium; add the onions, sprinkle with salt and pepper and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the beef and sausage, liberally season with salt and pepper, and cook until well-browned, stirring occasionally and breaking up any large clumps. Drain off the fat several times while cooking.
- Add the remaining ingredients and simmer on low, partially covered, for an hour or more, stirring occasionally, until the chili is nice and thick. Taste for seasoning.
Notes
…from the Picture-Perfect kitchen:
Planning: Chili is one of those foods that tastes even better the next day so it’s a great make-in-advance party dish. Plus, it is infinitely adaptable. You can switch out different kinds of beans, add in other veggies, if desired, or use ground turkey instead. There are many options for “build-it-yourself” chili bars: top a potato, make your own nachos, taco salads, or straight up chili with all the fixin’s.
Product Purity: Choose organic vegetable juice for the cleanest flavor. Also, check the label on the sausage. Some contain added MSG. The addition of cocoa gives it a little somethin’, somethin’…without hitting a discernible chocolate note.
Presentation: My party theme is based on Tamale Pie. The chili’s the star–I put the cast iron pot right on the table (it keeps it warm), let guests ladle it into their bowls and choose from an array of sides, like cornbread, cheese, chopped scallions, olives, jalapenos and sour cream.
© 2012 Hutchstone, LLC. All rights reserved.
…Adam says:
Using foreground and background propping to frame your plate is a subtle way to keep the viewer’s eyes where you want them–on your dish. This is especially effective when shooting at or near eye-level, as in the lead photo above. The cornbread in the foreground and the beer mug and bottle in the background create the tension to keep the eye balanced on the bowl of chili. Additionally, this allows for a little “storytelling:” even though this shot was created in the studio, it feels as though it was simply snapped at someone’s table.
Content and photography © 2012 Hutchstone, LLC
It's really about us, my husband, Adam, and me (Cheryl), and mostly it's about the food. 
Great story and the chilli sounds great. Glad to see no beans were added. Never thought to add cocoa powder to chilli, although I have seen it in recipes before. Thanks for sharing and I buzzed ya.
Your spin on this chili is delightful…and the story behind this beauty is exceptional. Your dad is one brave master and their 9dad and hubby) resulting commodore is is inspiring to say the least. A beautiful read and love the photo tips, always!
It's always so satisfying to visit and read your narratives, Cheryl, and see Adam's captivating photos of the food. It's funny, but before I read your story this time, I took a peek at the photo and it looked good. After reading the narrative, the colors in the photo seemed so much warmer and vibrant. It was as if your narrative brought “life” to the photo and the recipe. I know I'm blathering on, but it's the same effect each time I visit. And it keeps me coming back!
Cheers,
Alaiyo
What a great post–you really are a terrific writer. I love stories about how food brings people together.
I loved the story about the two men in your life meeting for the first time!! It warmed my heart and made me smile. And speaking of warming, this chili looks divine!
Good sense of humor in your dad. Save me some chili.
Great chili recipe – especially for football! Congrats on Top 9.
This looks like a great recipe and I am intrigued by the cocoa. Love the photo.
You can tell a story like no one else! I'm already anticipating how this chili is going to taste, yummy. And how un-ladylike would it be to lick the screen? That is an icredible picture!
Gorgeous pot of chili! I agree with your dad. I don't think I make my chili the same way twice! And you guys must think back on that story and laugh! What a great first impression, indeed! : )
Wishing you beautiful week!!!
What a gorgeous story!
I can't believe your husband crashed into the deck! LOL! My, now father-in-law wiped out my letterbox the first time I met him. There must be something in property destruction that endears us to our future family.
I love a good chilli too, nothing is as comforting.
I read this and headed to the store for ingredients . . . only change I made was I used jalapeno chili powder and a bottle of bloody mary mix. Wow it smells wonderful . . . can't wait for the hubs to get home so we can eat! Thanks for the recipe!
Loved the lead in story on this post! My dads thoughts concerning men when I was growing up I learned that quietness meant he did not approve. Glad to hear that your hubby and dad get along so well now.
Your chili does have a great list of ingredients but the cocoa is a new one-I definitely must try. Great post!
I went to a chili cook-off recently and I can relate to your comment about no two batches of chili by the same person taste the same. Beautiful photographs!
My chili is never the same way twice…but I love some of your dad's ideas…the cocoa powder will be my next tweak!
I can never decide what I like most about your posts the food, the photography, the photography tips or the stories. A great post as always
Hi Cheryl and Adam, thanks for dropping by my page and your kind words! Loved the apple and butternut squash gallete, will try that soon!
This looks fantastic – so, so tasty. I love the use of cocoa in this!
I'd love a bite.
I just love your stories! And recipes! And pictures! I am going to have to try this recipe.
Hello. I want to receive an e-mail each time you post. How do I do that?
That was so kind and gracious of your father! I'm sure it made your husband feels loads better too, and now you all have something to look back on and laugh about!
That's awkward
Glad it worked out in the end. And who knows!? Maybe that handrail was a big pain in the butt anyway. I'm sure it was asking for it.
Love LOVE this chili. I'm phantom smelling it right now and its awesome!
Oh Adam…I don't even know what else to say. Just, oh Adam. I'm glad you came around and love football though. Having been raised on the European variety myself, it took a while, but I fully embrace the American version now. (Soccer players are still way cuter though.)
I'm so making this chili. I don't have a go-to recipe at all and have been searching. This look perfect and delicious. I'll let you know.
You'll also be getting a note from me soon…we might be headed to Blowing Rock again next time it snows so Dudette can play. Would love to get together again when that happens.