Journey back in time with this authentic 1840s Texas chili recipe! Inspired by Governor Ann Richards' account of Jim Perry's XIT Ranch cooking methods, this recipe captures the essence of a true cattle drive chili. Imagine the rich flavors developing slowly over a chuckwagon fire! While incredibly simple, using readily available ingredients of that era, the longer it simmers, the more delicious it becomes. This recipe uses hearty, fatty cuts of beef, roughly chopped, reflecting the realities of a cattle drive. While the original recipe might have been sparse, we've added suggestions for vegetables – as would likely have occurred when cattle drives passed settlements – to enhance the flavor as time went on. No refrigeration needed, just low and slow cooking for an unforgettable taste of history! Perfect for chili cook-offs or a hearty weeknight meal.
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
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How to Make Authentic 1840 Texas Chili
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the roughly chopped beef over medium-high heat. Remove the beef and set aside.
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
Return the beef to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
If using beans, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving. Enjoy your taste of Texas history!
Nutrition Information(Approximate per serving)
Sodium
6 g
Sugar
8g
Fat
370g
Carbs
2g
Recipe Categories(Choose a category and find related recipes!)
How long does it take to make Authentic 1840 Texas Chili?
Authentic 1840 Texas Chili takes about 160 minutes from start to finish — roughly 20 minutes to prepare and 140 minutes to cook.
How many calories are in Authentic 1840 Texas Chili?
Authentic 1840 Texas Chili has approximately 1692 calories per serving, with about 39 g protein, 2 g carbohydrates and 270 g fat.
What ingredients do I need for Authentic 1840 Texas Chili?
The key ingredients for Authentic 1840 Texas Chili are Beef, Fat, Garlic Cloves, Onion, Chili Powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin. See the full list with measurements above.
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