Do you make chili from scratch? Or, use the canned variety?
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
United States
September 6, 2007 11:53pm CST
I've tried using the canned variety of chili, but it never tastes right. And, I'm worried that the stuff they use to preserve freshness in the can, might ultimately prove harmful to my family's health. So, I try to make my own. I use my own recipe, which I've had for years. And, the chili tastes different every time, just depending on what I have in the refrigerator.
Sometimes I use onions and other times I don't. Sometimes I use a combination of chili beans and kidney beans, sometimes I just use one variety. But, either way, it turns out better than canned. And, since I am making the chili, I can turn it into vegetarian variety with very little effort, saving us lots of money. And, each bowl can be tailored to the individual's taste.
So, do you use canned chili or make your own from scratch? Do you find that your family enjoys your home-cooked chili lots more than the canned variety? Could you share a favorite home-cooked chili recipe?
2 people like this
10 responses
@nzinky (822)
• United States
8 Sep 07
No I don't like canned chili I would rather make it myself then I know what's in it and taste much better when you uses fresh meat and vegatables also try to uses things like fresh garlic and onions when I make it.
It's not hard to make things fresh and the family seems to like it much better cause there usually isn't many left overs when you make things fresh.
People are also much healthier if things are fresh.....It isn't hard to make so I can't understand why people want to take the chance of all the grease from a can of chili..
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
9 Sep 07
Yes, food is better and healthier when it is fresh. I detest frozen dinners and anything like that, because of all of the preservatives. The other night I ate a frozen dinner (hopefully my last one) and I got such indigestion. I have no idea how I survived off those things for years. I was certainly not in a healthy state at the time.
@tdbrower1969 (1242)
• United States
7 Sep 07
I make mine myself, the canned variety is just kind of bland. I like to use my own tomatoes from my plants, jalepenos, green peppers, and onions. I also try to test different spices and seasonings, and herbs in it, just like in stew. My family won't touch the canned chili, so I enjoy cooking up a big pot and I always stock some back in the freezer for a quick meal night. I also like to use different varieties of beans in one pot.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
9 Sep 07
Yes, canned is very bland. Very yucky as my 3 year old would say.
@lightningMD (5931)
• United States
7 Sep 07
I make my chili from scratch. The only time I buy store bought his for coney dogs. Then I but Hormel chili no beans. This is my my chili recipe...Brown atleast 2lbs burger with 2 chopped onions. When browned drain off grease. Add three cans light red kidney beans. And four cans diced tomatoes with green chilies. Stir together add salt and pepper to taste. I then let this simmer for an hour or more. I usually serve this with alittle cheese on top. The next day I will serve the leftover chili over spaghetti. My husband loves it this way.
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
9 Sep 07
That sounds yummy. And, I love the way you recycle the leftovers for the next day, sounds like something I would do. I will try this recipe.
@HighReed1 (1126)
• United States
9 Sep 07
I make my own chili. Pretty much from scratch.
I use hamburger, kidney beans, stewed tomatoes and a packet of chili seasoning.
I started making chili myself because we wouldn't have been able to afford enough cans of chili to feed our large garbage disposals (teenage boys).
@amanda10877 (97)
• United States
7 Sep 07
I don't eat chili much.I usually eat the canned Hormel Chili or the chili from Wendy's when I eat it.
@theprogamer (10534)
• United States
7 Sep 07
From scratch. Rarely if ever do I need a can or frozen version. And yes my family, friends and close ones can tell the difference, easy ;p. Plus they know I can do the real thing and with varying styles, tastes (mild, medium, sweet, hot). Sigh, sometimes there's no easy way out if people know you can cook.
1 person likes this
@beautyqueen26 (16030)
• United States
7 Sep 07
Isn't that the truth! I went on a cooking sabbatical this past week and we've been all eating frozen food, except for the one dish of chili on Monday. My schedule has been way off. Anyway, I think I will go back to home-cooking after the weather cools off some.
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
7 Sep 07
We make our chili from scratch in the crockpot. I don't have a recipe, I just throw in whatever chili like ingredients I have.
@carlaabt (3504)
• United States
8 Sep 07
My husband usually makes chili at our house. It's one of the dishes that he likes to make, so I let him. lol I don't think I have ever made it from scratch.
I do sometimes use canned chili, but only if I'm using it in a recipe or making chili cheese fries or something. We don't just eat it out of the can, though. It's not that good. It's just more convenient for chili cheese fries. And it turns out great in the recipe I use it for, because there are so many other things in it, too. :)
@sunshine4 (8703)
• United States
7 Sep 07
I don't like canned chilis. I make mine with a very easy recipe. Browned ground beef, can of kidney beans, 2 cans tomato soup, one can tomato sauce. Spice with chili powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. It is easy and my kids will eat it because it isn't chunky.
@eachen2002 (889)
• United States
8 Sep 07
I always like the homemade kind.I can't stand it out of a can.It always upset my stomach for some reason.I'll take it homemade anyday.
