Chili: Beans or not?

Originally Posted by livwire68

I usually just do a pot of pinto's and add my pulled pork or brisket. I really have not made chili, but was thinking of doing the same. Put me in for beans with chili.

My mom does this. But she doesn't call it chili

Originally Posted by SvilleKid

An additional dimension to this discussion: What do you eat with your chili??

Saltine crackers or cornbread.


If you know beans about chili, you know chili ain't got know beans. "Chili" is "chili con carne" shortened, and refers not just to the chili pepper, but a preparation using chili peppers and various spices. With meat added. I've eaten at a lot of Mexican food joints and I've never seen chili con carne y frijoles, or chili con carne y arroz on any menu.

Having said all that, I use a recipe called "Chili Blanco" that calls for chicken, great northern white beans, and green chilis (Anaheim is best). Garnished with green onion and grated pepper jack. It is awesome.