There is some debate around what to call a chili recipe that contains beans. Some people insist that true chili does not have beans, while others happily add beans to their chili. Here is an overview of the naming conventions around bean chili.
Chili with Beans
The simplest name for a chili recipe containing beans is just “chili with beans.” This straightforward descriptive name specifies that beans are included in the chili. Some people may use “bean chili” interchangeably.
Regional Styles of Bean Chili
There are a few regional styles of bean chili that have distinct names:
- Cincinnati chili: Originating in Cincinnati, this style includes a tomato-based chili sauce, spices like cinnamon and chocolate, and kidney beans. It is served over spaghetti.
- Texas chili: Texas chili recipes traditionally do not contain beans, but some cooks in Texas make a “Texas-style chili” with beans.
- Midwestern chili: Some chili recipes from the Midwestern United States include beans, tomato sauce, peppers, onions, and chili seasoning.
Is it Still Chili with Beans?
There is disagreement over whether a chili containing beans should be considered “true” chili. Some chili purists argue that real chili comes from Texas and does not include beans. However, many chili enthusiasts think beans add protein, texture, and flavor. Bean chili may not conform to regional Texas styles, but it has become common and accepted in many households.
Chili Ingredients With and Without Beans
Here is a comparison of typical ingredients in chili recipes with and without beans:
| Chili Without Beans | Chili With Beans |
|---|---|
| Ground beef or cubed chuck roast | Ground beef or cubed chuck roast |
| Chili powder | Chili powder |
| Garlic | Garlic |
| Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes | Tomato sauce or diced tomatoes |
| Onion | Onion |
| Peppers like jalapeno | Peppers like jalapeno |
| Cumin | Cumin |
| Oregano | Oregano |
| Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans |
While ingredients like tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices are commonly used in all chili, the addition of beans is the distinguishing factor in a “chili with beans” recipe.
Flavor Impact of Beans
Adding beans to chili has some significant effects on the overall flavor:
- Beans add fiber, protein, and nutrients.
- The starchier texture of beans thickens the chili.
- Beans add heartiness and substance for a more filling dish.
- The flavor of the chili permeates into the beans as they simmer.
- Bean juices thicken the chili liquid.
Overall, beans tend to make chili thicker, heartier, and more nutritious. People who like chunkier chili or vegetarian chili find that beans are an important ingredient.
Ways to Use Beans in Chili
There are a few easy ways to incorporate beans into a chili recipe:
- Whole beans – Add 1-2 cans of drained and rinsed beans towards the end of cooking. Good bean options are kidney, pinto, black, or white beans.
- Refried beans – Stir in 1-2 cups of refried beans before serving to thicken chili. Refried pinto beans are a popular choice.
- Bean liquid – For thicker chili, add in some of the liquid from the bean cans.
- Cooked dried beans – Soak and cook dried beans from scratch. Add them in the last 30 minutes of chili cooking.
Beans are versatile in chili. They can be used whole, mashed, or as a thickener. The bean liquid also adds body and flavor.
Serving Bean Chili
There are lots of tasty ways to serve up a pot of bean chili:
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado
- Serve with rice or cornbread
- Pour chili over nachos, fries, or a baked potato
- Dip tortilla chips into a bowl of chili
- Spoon chili into bowls and garnish with scallions
- Cook ground meat or chicken separately to pour on top
Bean chili is very versatile for serving. It pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, cheese, avocado, scallions, and meats. The flavors marry well in nachos, burritos, fries, and baked potatoes too.
Is it Chili Without Beans?
While traditional Texas red chili omits beans, there is no definitive rule that chili must be bean-less. Bean chili has become widely popular across the United States.
Some key points about bean-less chili:
- Texas chili originated without beans and often still omits them.
- Meat and chiles are the core ingredients in traditional chili.
- Purists argue that beans detract from the pure chili flavor.
- A chili can have a thicker, meatier texture without beans.
Despite chili purist arguments, bean chili has taken on a ubiquitous life of its own. Beans have become an expected part of chili for many Americans.
Conclusion
There are reasonable arguments on both sides of the “beans in chili” debate. Adding beans to chili has become very common, though it strays from Texas-style chili purism. While some Chile heads insist that true chili is beanless, bean chili has undoubtedly become ubiquitous. Chili with beans has many regional variations, flavor advantages, and versatility as a dish. No matter which side of the debate you land on, a pot of hearty, protein-packed chili with beans makes a satisfying meal.