Texas Red Chili
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Texas Red Chili, often just called 'chili' in its home state, is a rich, spicy stew that traditionally features chunks of beef (like chuck) simmered for hours in a deep, brick-red sauce made from a blend of dried chilies, cumin, and garlic. It is famously a 'no beans, no tomatoes' dish, focusing purely on the meat and the chili pepper sauce. This hearty, aromatic staple is a point of deep pride in Texan cuisine and is the centerpiece of the annual Chili Cook-Off competitions.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in protein and fat from the beef, with minimal carbohydrates since it traditionally excludes beans and starchy thickeners. A typical serving is calorie-dense, often ranging from 400 to 600 calories, providing significant iron and B vitamins from the meat along with capsaicin from the chili peppers.
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, Texas Red Chili is the official state dish of Texas and its recipe is fiercely debated, with purists insisting on a specific blend of dried ancho, pasilla, and guajillo chilies. The dish is also nutritionally unique as a low-carb, high-protein meal that derives its signature flavor and color entirely from dried peppers rather than tomatoes or beans.