It’s f-o-o-t-b-a-l-l season!!!! Whether you’re in a spectacular stadium or on your comfy couch, watching a game can be exhilarating. But the pre-party or tailgating prior to a game ranks top on my list. For a tailgate, make sure to bring all the essentials for a successful gathering such as a table, some chairs, your favorite munchies, an entrée or two, a scrumptious dessert and a bounty of beverages. Oh, and don’t forget a trash bag for all the clean up!
When I’m at home entertaining friends during a football game, I like to make my famous crowd-pleasing chili. I suggest that during half-time organize a touch football game in your backyard or at your nearby school. Then, when you’re all bushed and ready for more TV time, sit down with a bowl of this chili and chow down!
This chili recipe is from The Silver Palate Cookbook with a few of my creative additions:
Ingredients:
- ½ cup best-quality olive oil (I use Tenuta Del Numerouno)
- 1 ¾ pounds yellow onions, chopped (pre-chopped store bought works, too!)
- 2 pounds hot Italian bulk sausage meat
- 8 pounds ground beef (I use extra lean)
- 1 ½ Tbsp ground black pepper
- 2 cans 12oz tomato paste
- 3 Tbsp minced fresh garlic (the jar kind is just fine!)
- 3 oz ground cumin
- 4 oz chili powder
- ½ cup mustard (I prefer Grey Poupon)
- 4 Tbsp salt (I use Maldon sea salt flakes)
- 4 Tbsp dried basil
- 4 Tbsp dried oregano
- 6 lbs canned Italian plum tomatoes, drained
- ½ cup Burgundy wine (drink this wine with the chili :))
- ¼ cup lemon juice (I squeeze my own lemons)
- ½ cup chopped fresh dill
- ½ cup chopped Italian parsley
- 3 cans, 16 oz of beans, drained (I'm not a big fan of dark red kidney beans, so I use pinto beans or black beans)
Instructions:
Sauté the onions in olive oil over low heat until golden and translucent. Add in the sausage meat and ground beef and cook over medium-high until well browned. Reduce to low heat and add in all the remaining ingredients except for the beans and let simmer on the stove uncovered for about 30 minutes. Add the beans and simmer for another 15 minutes. Then, serve hot!
Make sure to offer all the necessary condiments such as grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped avocado and chopped red onion displayed in small colorful ramekins.
This recipe is definitely a crowd pleaser and will serve a big group of up to 40 people. Plus, you can freeze the leftovers for the next big game!
To save you time, let me know if you’d like help with your next tailgate or home party. I can even cook a pot of chili for you and your friends! Just ask!
Side note: This season, I’m rooting for my home team, The Patriots! (Surprise, surprise!) If they can get stronger on their offense strategies and get their chemistry squared away with these new players, The Pats will certainly make it to the Super Bowl. And you-know-who will be serving a super, big bowl of chili to her guests! ;)
Have a ball this season!
