National Chili Day is Feb. 26
By STEPHANIE FAROH
Extension Educator, Purdue Extension Kosciusko County
We celebrate National Chili Day on the last Thursday in February each year. This year, the celebration falls on Thursday, Feb. 26. Chili is most commonly made up of tomatoes, beans, chili peppers, meat, garlic, onions and cumin, however, there are many variations to the basic chili.
Meat choices may include beef, pork, turkey, venison or bison. Bean choices may include pinto beans, kidney beans, great northern beans, or navy beans. From there, the list of ingredients may become very creative, including such foods as coffee, honey, dark chocolate, and even bananas. I don’t know if I would attempt adding bananas to my chili, but if you try it, let me know how it turns out.
People enjoy chili in many different dishes and recipes. Chili dogs, chili burgers, chili cheese fries, chili and broccoli stuffed baked potatoes, chili spaghetti, chili mac, and chili rice are just a few of my favorites. The disagreement among my friends was always whether to add pasta to our chili. Some say pasta ruins chili, but I certainly enjoy a good goulash.
Many myths and legends exist regarding the history and origin of chili. We do know, though, that it is not a traditional Mexican dish. Today, chili can be found in few places in Mexico and these are spots that cater to tourists. We also know that at the Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, the San Antonio Chili Stand helped people, from all over the United States, appreciate the taste of chili.
Because San Antonio was a significant tourist destination, it helped Texas-style chili con carne (chili with meat) spread throughout the South and West. Prior to World War II, hundreds of small, family-run chili parlors, also known as “chili joints,” were found popping up throughout the state of Texas and in various spots in the United States. Each new chili parlor usually had a claim to some kind of secret recipe.
Now that you are hungry for chili, you are welcome to join the Horse and Pony 4-H Club from 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, for their chili supper. Come to the Home and Family Arts Building on the fairgrounds to support this group. Another chance for you to enjoy many different chili recipes is at the Taste of Ag Chili Cook-Off from 5-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 14, also at the fairgrounds. If you would like to enter your secret family recipe, please contact the Extension Office for more information. Save the date to enjoy these recipes.
So get cooking on your favorite chili recipe and join the celebration of National Chili Day on Thursday. Try making your recipe a bit healthier by limiting the sodium and/or by using a leaner cut of meat. You could try having your own family chili cook-off.
Here’s to a healthier you!
For more information please call Stephanie at the Purdue Extension Kosciusko County office at (574) 372-2340, or email at [email protected].