15 Grammas Secret Southern Chili Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Apr 1, 2024
Gramma's secret southern chili recipe has been passed down through generations in our family. It is a beloved dish that is often requested at family gatherings and potlucks. The combination of ingredients and cooking techniques used in this recipe creates a unique and flavorful chili that will leave your taste buds wanting more. In this article, we will share the steps to creating this delicious dish and the special ingredient that sets Gramma's chili apart from the rest.
Main Ingredients: Butter, Yellow Cornmeal, Flour, Baking Soda, Salt
Southern cornbread is a staple in many Southern households. Made with cornmeal, flour, and buttermilk, this classic dish is a perfect side for any meal. To take your cornbread to the next level, try making it in a cast iron skillet. The cast iron creates a crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside moist and fluffy. Serve it warm with a pat of butter and honey for a delicious treat.
Southern smothered chicken is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for any occasion. It involves cooking chicken in a rich and flavorful gravy until it is tender and falls off the bone. This dish is often served over rice or with mashed potatoes for a satisfying meal. The key to a good smothered chicken is cooking it low and slow to ensure that the chicken is tender and the flavors have time to develop.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking. These leafy green vegetables are packed with nutrients and are often cooked with ham hocks or smoked turkey for added flavor. The collard greens are cooked for hours until they are tender and full of flavor. Serve them as a side dish or add them to soups and stews for a nutritious addition.
Cornbread dressing, also known as stuffing, is a classic Southern dish that is often served at holiday meals. It involves combining crumbled cornbread with celery, onion, and herbs, and then baking it until it is golden brown and crispy on top. This dish is perfect for soaking up gravy and pairs well with roasted meats.
Oxtails are a popular cut of meat in Southern cuisine. They are cooked low and slow until they are fall-off-the-bone tender and full of flavor. Smothered oxtails involve cooking them in a rich gravy until they are tender and then serving them over rice or with cornbread for a hearty and comforting meal.
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Classic Flaky Southern Biscuits
Main Ingredients: Flour, Whole Milk, Butter, Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
Southern biscuits are a staple at any Southern breakfast. These flaky and buttery biscuits are made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, and buttermilk. They are perfect for pairing with gravy, jam, or honey for a delicious and satisfying breakfast treat. The key to making perfect biscuits is handling the dough gently and not overworking it.
No Southern gathering is complete without a dish of baked macaroni and cheese. This classic dish involves combining cooked macaroni with a creamy and cheesy sauce, and then baking it until it is bubbly and golden brown on top. For an extra indulgent version, add in crumbled bacon or shredded chicken for added protein.
Similar to the previous dish, Southern baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by many. This version involves layering cooked macaroni with a rich and creamy sauce and then topping it with breadcrumbs and shredded cheese before baking it in the oven. This dish is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
Pecan pie is a beloved dessert in the South, and these pecan pie bars are a fun twist on the classic. They involve a buttery and flaky crust topped with a gooey and sweet pecan filling. These bars are perfect for serving at holiday parties or as a sweet treat after dinner. For an extra indulgent version, drizzle some chocolate syrup on top.
Peach cobbler is a classic Southern dessert that is perfect for showcasing the sweet and juicy peaches of the region. This dish involves combining sliced peaches with a buttery and flaky crust, and then baking it until it is golden brown and bubbly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent treat.
Collard greens are a staple in Southern cooking, and this classic recipe is a tried and true favorite. The greens are cooked low and slow with ham hocks or smoked turkey for added flavor and served with a side of cornbread. This dish is full of nutrients and is perfect for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Pimento cheese is a beloved Southern spread that is perfect for snacking or as a topping for sandwiches and burgers. It involves combining shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and pimentos for a creamy and tangy spread. Serve it with crackers, veggies, or bread for a delicious and easy appetizer.
Cabbage is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that is often enjoyed in Southern cooking. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including braised, fried, or boiled. It pairs well with bacon, sausage, or ham for added flavor. Experiment with different cooking methods and seasonings to find your favorite way to enjoy this Southern staple.
Cornbread is a staple in Southern cuisine and is often served with meals like chili, beans, or soup. It can be made in a variety of ways, including sweet, savory, or spicy, depending on your taste preferences. Try adding in ingredients like jalapenos, cheese, or bacon for a fun twist on the classic.
Sausage gravy is a classic Southern breakfast dish that is perfect for serving over biscuits, toast, or grits. It involves cooking crumbled sausage in a creamy and savory gravy until it is thick and flavorful. Serve it with a side of scrambled eggs for a hearty and delicious breakfast.
Hush puppies are a classic Southern side dish that is perfect for pairing with seafood or fried chicken. These small balls of fried cornmeal batter are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They are often seasoned with onion, garlic, and spices, and are best served hot and fresh.
Squash casserole is a popular Southern side dish that is perfect for showcasing the abundance of fresh summer squash in the region. It involves layering sliced squash with a creamy and cheesy sauce, and then topping it with breadcrumbs before baking it in the oven. This dish is a delicious and easy way to enjoy summer squash.
Fried corn is a simple and delicious side dish that is perfect for using up leftover corn on the cob. The corn is cut off the cob and then fried with bacon, onions, and spices for added flavor. It is a popular dish at summer barbecues and pairs well with grilled meats.
Shrimp and grits is a beloved dish in the South and is often enjoyed as a comforting and hearty breakfast. The grits are cooked with milk, butter, and cheese until they are creamy and then topped with sauteed shrimp in a flavorful sauce. This dish is perfect for any time of day and is a must-try for seafood lovers.
Candied yams are a classic side dish that is often served at holiday meals in the South. They involve cooking sweet potatoes with brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon until they are caramelized and tender. This dish is a delicious and indulgent way to enjoy sweet potatoes and pairs well with roasted meats.
The Secret Ingredient
One of the key elements that makes Gramma's chili stand out is the use of smoked paprika. This spice adds a smoky depth of flavor to the chili that is hard to replicate with any other ingredient. Gramma discovered this secret ingredient when she accidentally added it to her chili instead of regular paprika. Ever since then, it has become a staple in her recipe and the key to its deliciousness.
Why Smoked Paprika?
Smoked paprika is made from smoke-dried peppers and has a deep, rich flavor that adds a smoky and slightly sweet taste to dishes. It is commonly used in Spanish and Hungarian cuisine, but it has a special place in Gramma's chili recipe. Not only does it add a unique and delicious flavor, but it also gives the chili a beautiful reddish-brown color that makes it even more appetizing.
How to Incorporate Smoked Paprika in the Chili
To get the full flavor of smoked paprika, it is important to toast it before adding it to the chili. This helps to bring out the smoky notes and intensify its flavor. Before adding it to the chili, simply heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the smoked paprika, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes until it becomes fragrant. Then, add it to the chili along with the other spices for a delicious and unique flavor profile.
Other Uses for Smoked Paprika
Apart from adding it to chili, smoked paprika can also be used in other dishes such as stews, soups, marinades, and even as a rub for meats. Its versatility makes it a great addition to any spice rack and a must-have for Gramma's secret southern chili recipe.
In Conclusion
Gramma's secret southern chili recipe is a delicious and beloved dish that has stood the test of time in our family. The use of smoked paprika sets it apart from other chili recipes and adds a unique and delicious flavor. So, the next time you make chili, don't forget to add this secret ingredient for a truly memorable and mouth-watering dish.
