18 Classic Chili Recipe Southern Living Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 30, 2024
One dish that is synonymous with southern comfort food is a classic chili recipe. This hearty and flavorful dish has been enjoyed by generations and is a staple in many southern households. Whether it's a cozy dinner on a cold night or a gathering with friends and family, chili is always a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will dive into the history of this beloved dish and share a classic chili recipe that will have you licking your bowl clean.
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
No southern meal is complete without a side of flaky, buttery biscuits. This classic recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
To make these biscuits, you'll need self-rising flour, butter, and buttermilk. Cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in the buttermilk until a soft dough forms. Roll out the dough and cut out rounds, then bake until golden brown. Serve with your favorite southern fried chicken or smothered chicken for the ultimate comfort meal.
Collard greens are a staple in southern cuisine and this classic recipe is a must-try. Cooked low and slow with ham hock, onions, and garlic, these greens are full of flavor and tender enough to melt in your mouth.
To make these collard greens, start by sautéing the ham hock, onions, and garlic until fragrant. Then add in the collard greens and cook until wilted. Add in some water or chicken broth and let simmer for at least an hour for the perfect texture and taste. Serve as a side dish or add some hot sauce for a little extra kick.
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Southern Pound Cake (Classic Pound Cake 101)
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Salt, Unsalted
No dessert screams southern charm quite like a classic pound cake. This recipe is a family favorite and is sure to become a tradition in your household as well.
To make this pound cake, you'll need butter, sugar, eggs, and flour. Cream the butter and sugar together, then add in the eggs one at a time. Add in the flour and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Bake until golden brown and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for the perfect ending to any meal.
When it comes to southern cooking, fried chicken is a must. This classic recipe is simple yet oh-so-delicious and will have your guests coming back for seconds.
To make this fried chicken, you'll need chicken pieces, buttermilk, and a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and seasonings. Soak the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours, then dredge in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown. Serve with mashed potatoes and collard greens for a traditional southern meal.
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Southern Cornbread – Southern Skillet Cornbread
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Cornbread is a staple in southern cuisine and this skillet cornbread recipe is a must-try. Using a cast-iron skillet, this cornbread comes out with a perfectly crispy crust and a moist, flavorful center.
To make this cornbread, you'll need cornmeal, flour, sugar, and buttermilk. Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a hot skillet. Bake until golden brown and serve with a drizzle of honey for a touch of sweetness.
This smothered chicken recipe is a southern comfort food at its finest. Tender chicken thighs smothered in a rich gravy with onions and bell peppers make for a hearty and satisfying meal.
To make this dish, start by browning the chicken in a skillet. Then add in the onions and peppers and cook until soft. Pour in some chicken broth and let simmer until the chicken is cooked through. Serve over rice or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
This cornbread dressing is a must-have for any southern holiday meal. Made with cornbread, sausage, celery, and onions, this dish is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with roasted turkey or ham.
To make this dressing, crumble up some cornbread and mix with cooked sausage, celery, onions, and chicken broth. Bake until golden brown and serve as a side dish for a delicious and traditional southern meal.
If you're a fan of collard greens, then this recipe is a must-try. Made with bacon, chicken broth, and apple cider vinegar, these greens have a tangy yet smoky flavor that will have you coming back for more.
To make these collard greens, cook the bacon in a pot until crispy, then add in the greens and cook until wilted. Pour in the chicken broth and vinegar and let simmer until tender. Serve as a side dish or add some hot sauce for a little extra kick.
Oxtails may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of southern cooking, but this recipe will change your mind. Slow-cooked with onions, garlic, and bell peppers, these oxtails are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor.
To make this dish, brown the oxtails in a skillet, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add in the onions, garlic, and bell peppers and let cook on low for several hours. Serve with rice and greens for a complete and comforting meal.
No southern meal is complete without a side of mac and cheese. This baked version is creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting.
To make this mac and cheese, cook some elbow macaroni and mix with a creamy cheese sauce made with milk, butter, and a blend of cheddar and colby jack cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden brown and serve as a side dish for any southern comfort food feast.
If you're a fan of baked mac and cheese, then this recipe is a must-try. Made with a blend of cheddar and colby jack cheese and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this version is sure to become a family favorite.
To make this baked mac and cheese, cook some elbow macaroni and mix with a creamy cheese sauce made with milk, butter, and a blend of cheddar and colby jack cheese. Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown and bubbly. Serve as a side dish for any southern comfort food feast.
If you're a fan of pecan pie, then these bars are a must-try. Made with a buttery crust and a gooey pecan filling, these bars are the perfect handheld version of the classic southern dessert.
To make these pecan pie bars, mix together a simple crust made with flour, butter, and sugar. Then pour over a filling made with corn syrup, eggs, and plenty of pecans. Bake until set and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and indulgent treat.
Peach cobbler is a southern dessert classic and this recipe is a must-try. Made with fresh peaches, a buttery crust, and a hint of cinnamon, this cobbler is the perfect ending to any southern meal.
To make this peach cobbler, mix together sliced peaches with a bit of sugar and cinnamon. Top with a buttery crust made with flour, butter, and sugar. Bake until bubbly and golden brown and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate southern dessert.
Buttermilk pie may not be as well-known as some other southern desserts, but it's just as delicious. Made with simple ingredients like buttermilk, butter, and eggs, this pie has a creamy, custard-like filling and a buttery crust.
To make this buttermilk pie, mix together the filling ingredients and pour into a pie crust. Bake until set and serve with a dollop of whipped cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
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Classic Southern Gravy
Main Ingredients: Fat, All Purpose Flour, Whole Milk, Salt, Cracked Black
Gravy is a staple in southern cuisine and this classic recipe is the perfect finishing touch to any meal. Made with pan drippings, milk, and flour, this gravy is rich, creamy, and full of flavor.
To make this gravy, start by making a roux with butter and flour. Then add in some milk and whisk until thickened. Add in some pan drippings and let simmer until you reach your desired consistency. Serve over meatloaf, potatoes, or any other southern dish for a delicious and traditional flavor.
Pimento cheese is a southern staple and this classic recipe is a must-try. Made with cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos, this spread is perfect for sandwiches, dips, or even as a topping for burgers or hot dogs.
To make this pimento cheese, mix together grated cheddar cheese with mayonnaise, pimentos, and hot sauce. Serve with crackers or use as a spread for your favorite sandwiches for a taste of the south in every bite.
Cabbage may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of southern cooking, but this recipe will change your mind. Made with bacon, onion, and a touch of apple cider vinegar, this dish is full of flavor and pairs perfectly with any southern comfort food.
To make this cabbage, cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy, then add in the onion and cook until soft. Add in the shredded cabbage and cook until tender. Serve as a side dish for a traditional southern meal.
This classic cornbread recipe is a must-have in any southern cook's arsenal. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this cornbread is slightly sweet, moist, and perfect for soaking up any gravy or sauces.
To make this cornbread, mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, and buttermilk. Pour into a hot skillet and bake until golden brown and delicious. Serve as a side dish for any southern comfort food feast.
Sausage gravy is a classic southern breakfast dish and this recipe is a must-try. Made with breakfast sausage, milk, and flour, this gravy is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for topping biscuits or toast.
To make this gravy, cook the sausage in a skillet until browned, then add in the flour and milk to make a roux. Let simmer until thick and serve over your favorite breakfast foods for a hearty and delicious start to your day.
Hush puppies are a classic southern side dish and this recipe is a must-try. Made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, these fried balls of dough are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
To make these hush puppies, mix together the dry ingredients and add in some buttermilk to create a thick batter. Drop spoonfuls of the batter into hot oil and fry until golden brown. Serve as a side dish or as a tasty snack for any occasion.
The Origins of Classic Chili
Chili has a rich history that can be traced back to the early 1800s in San Antonio, Texas. It is said that a group of women known as the "Chili Queens" would set up stalls in the city's market square and serve bowls of chili to workers and tourists. The dish gained popularity due to its affordable and filling nature, and soon became a favorite dish in the region. As time passed, chili recipes were adapted and passed down through generations, resulting in the many variations we see today.
The Key Ingredients
One of the reasons why chili has stood the test of time is because of its simple yet flavorful ingredients. The base of any classic chili recipe includes ground beef, tomatoes, and beans. These staples are then elevated with the addition of spices such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Of course, every household has their own special touch, whether it's adding a splash of beer or a secret blend of spices.
The Cooking Process
The beauty of a classic chili recipe lies in its versatility. It can be cooked in a pot on the stove, in a slow cooker, or even in a pressure cooker. However, the key to achieving the perfect chili is in the cooking process. The meat needs to be browned before adding in the other ingredients, allowing for a deeper flavor. Simmering the chili for at least an hour allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a rich and hearty dish.
Serving Suggestions
Traditionally, chili is served with cornbread or saltine crackers on the side. However, there are many other ways to enjoy this classic dish. Some prefer to top their chili with sour cream, shredded cheese, or even pickled jalapenos. For a healthier option, chili can be served over a bed of rice or quinoa. The possibilities are endless, and it all comes down to personal preference.
In Conclusion
A classic chili recipe is a timeless dish that brings people together. Its origins may be humble, but its flavor and versatility have made it a beloved part of southern cuisine. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or put your own spin on it, one thing is for sure – a bowl of chili will always warm the heart and soul. So gather your ingredients and get cooking, because there's nothing quite like a classic chili to satisfy your cravings.
