There are many famous food fights (Does pineapple belong on pizza? Is crunchy or smooth peanut butter better? Should barbecue sauce have a vinegar, ketchup, or mustard base?) but the most hotly contested one may be “beans or no beans in chili?” Whether you’re new to making chili or just wondering what the fuss is about, we’ll tell you all you need to know about this classic debate.
First, a Bit of Background
Chili originated in Mexico and dates back to at least the 16th century. It’s technically a stew, but it’s so loaded with beef and vegetables that people don’t usually think of it that way. The name comes from the use of fresh or dried chili peppers to provide flavor and spice, but you can adjust the heat to your liking, along with the other ingredients. Onions, garlic, bell peppers, and cumin are frequently used in chili, and though it’s less well known than the “beans or no beans in chili” argument, people also disagree about whether or not chili should have tomatoes.
Chili is often served with toppings such as sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped fresh onions, or crumbled tortilla chips; you can also serve it over rice or spaghetti. Chili is endlessly adaptable, so it all depends on what you like best. It’s easy to make at home, but it does require several hours of cooking unless you use a chili con carne starter.
Beans or No Beans in Chili? Beans!
Those on the pro-bean side of the divide argue that beans bring additional flavor and a contrasting texture to your chili. They’re also a good source of fiber, protein, and essential nutrients including potassium, magnesium, and iron. The most popular types of beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, partly because they usually keep their shape during the cooking process, but feel free to experiment with other types. Canned beans (sold both with and without chili-style spices) can go directly into the pot, but you’ll need to cook dried beans separately before adding them to your chili.
Beans or No Beans in Chili? No Beans!
No-beans side argue that beans distract your mouth from the beef and spices that chili is supposed to showcase. Texans in particular are likely to reject beans; in fact, the no-bean version is often referred to as Texas chili. Chili that’s added to other dishes (chili dogs and chili burgers, for example) doesn’t usually have beans, either. And, of course, some people just don’t like beans! It really does come down to personal taste, so make your chili however you like it best, beans or no beans.
Ever since the debut of our first pushcart more than 125 years ago, XLNT Foods has been providing Californians with delicious and convenient cuisine, and today we’re delighted to ship our products throughout the US. Whether you are for beans or no beans in chili, check out our website for recipes and cooking inspiration and to order our handcrafted tamales (with microwave-friendly masa wrappers instead of corn husks) and chili con carne starter, delivered right to your kitchen.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chili_con_carne
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/beans-101?c=1526828943494#what-they-are
