Rich & Hearty Black Porter Chili: The Ultimate Recipe for Flavor and Comfort
Black Porter Chili is chili taken up a notch with the addition of smooth, luxurious black porter. This is how I will forever warm up on a cold winter night! Get ready for a deeply flavored, incredibly satisfying meal that will quickly become a cherished favorite.
Elevating Your Chili Game with Black Porter Beer
Yep, I’m taking my chili to a whole new level, and I couldn’t be more excited to share it. There’s nothing quite like a heaping bowl of chili, generously piled with cheese, to chase away the winter chill. It’s a classic for a reason – comforting, hearty, and relatively simple to prepare. However, even the most beloved traditional recipes can start to feel a bit routine after a while. That’s precisely why I decided to introduce a game-changing ingredient: a rich, smooth black porter beer. This addition transforms ordinary chili into what I affectionately call ‘fancy-ass chili’ – and trust me, it lives up to the name.
Why “fancy-ass,” you ask? Because here, where I live, craft beer is considered a bit of a gourmet delight, and frankly, it should be everywhere! Craft beers offer a complexity that can elevate many dishes. For this particular chili, I chose a black vanilla porter, and those subtle hints of vanilla truly shone through in the final dish. From the very first bite, I was utterly captivated, and days later, the flavors continue to deepen and impress. This chili isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of savory and subtly sweet notes that evolve with time.
The Perfect Time for a Hearty Bowl of Chili
In my world, there’s no wrong time for chili, but right now feels especially perfect. Not only is Denver still experiencing some wonderfully crisp, chilly weather, but I’ve also rekindled my commitment to regular workouts. And let me tell you, when you’re consistently pushing yourself, you tend to be ravenous. All. The. Time.
Running, it seems, transforms me into an insatiable creature constantly in search of sustenance. Thankfully, this robust Black Porter Chili is incredibly filling and satisfying. It keeps me energized and prevents me from eating everything else in sight! On a related note, I’m thrilled to report that I’m genuinely getting stronger. My dedication to “strength for 2016,” a goal I set at the end of 2015, is finally paying off. I’ve already doubled the weight I can lift for my lower body (still working on those notoriously weak arms, though – argh!). It’s truly incredible to see the progress!
Whether you’re pushing your limits in the gym or simply seeking a cozy culinary embrace, this chili is exactly what you need this weekend. Imagine curling up with a generous bowl, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of cheese and a handful of Fritos. That’s precisely where you’ll find me.
Why Black Porter Chili Stands Out
What makes this Black Porter Chili truly exceptional? It’s the harmonious blend of robust flavors that dance on your palate. The dark porter beer, particularly a vanilla porter, introduces a subtle sweetness and a complex malty depth that you won’t find in traditional chili recipes. This isn’t just about adding beer; it’s about infusing a rich, nuanced dimension that complements the savory beef, spicy beans, and tangy tomatoes beautifully. The porter acts as a tenderizer for the meat and melds all the spices into a cohesive, profound flavor profile.
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Foundation
- Ground Beef: The foundation of this hearty chili. Opt for lean ground beef to keep it from being too greasy, or a slightly fattier blend for richer flavor.
- White Onion: A classic aromatic that builds the initial flavor base. Diced finely, it practically melts into the sauce.
- Hot Chili Beans & Kidney Beans: A combination that offers both texture and a gentle kick. Draining them before adding ensures the chili isn’t too watery and allows the other flavors to shine.
- Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes bring an incredible depth and smokiness that fresh or regular canned tomatoes can’t match. It’s a small change with a big impact.
- Italian Seasoned Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor with built-in herbs, enhancing the savory notes.
- Dark Beer (Vanilla Porter Recommended): The star ingredient! Its malty, slightly sweet, and sometimes chocolatey or coffee-like notes are what makes this chili unique. A vanilla porter adds an extra layer of gourmet flavor.
- A Medley of Spices: Salt, pepper, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, dried oregano, dried basil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. This blend is carefully crafted to achieve a balance of savory, sweet, earthy, and spicy, with cocoa powder subtly deepening the color and flavor without making it taste like chocolate.
Tips for Perfect Black Porter Chili
- Don’t Rush the Sauté: Browning your onions until soft and then fully browning your ground beef is crucial. This step builds the foundational flavors through caramelization and creates a rich base for your chili.
- Break Up the Beef: As the ground beef cooks, use a wooden spoon or spatula to break it into small, even pieces. This ensures a consistent texture throughout the chili.
- Simmer for Depth: The 25-30 minute simmer time is important. It allows the flavors to meld, the beer to reduce and concentrate, and the chili to thicken to the perfect consistency. If you have more time, let it simmer even longer on low heat; chili almost always tastes better the longer it cooks.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, always taste your chili and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want a little more salt, a dash more cayenne for heat, or a pinch more sugar to balance acidity.
- Leftovers are Key: This chili, like many great stews, develops even more flavor overnight. Make a large batch and enjoy the intensified flavors the next day.
Serving Suggestions and Creative Toppings
This Black Porter Chili is delicious on its own, but part of the fun of chili is customizing it with your favorite toppings. Here are some ideas to make each bowl uniquely yours:
- Classic Toppings: Shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and fresh chopped green onions are always a hit.
- Crunchy Additions: Crushed Fritos, tortilla chips, or even homemade cornbread croutons add a satisfying texture contrast.
- Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro, diced avocado, or a squeeze of lime juice can brighten the rich flavors.
- Heat Boost: For those who love extra spice, a dash of your favorite hot sauce or some finely sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) can really kick things up.
- Unique Pairings: Consider serving alongside warm cornbread, a simple green salad, or even over a baked potato or hot dogs for a chili dog twist.
P.S. Get excited because I have a leftover recipe for this black porter chili that’s gonna blow minds on Monday… Happy Weekend, and happy cooking!
Black Porter Chili
ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/2 white onion diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 16 oz can hot chili beans drained
- 1 16 oz can kidney beans drained
- 1 16 oz can Hunt’s Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes drained
- 1/2 can Italian seasoned tomato paste
- 16 oz dark beer I used a Vanilla Porter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
instructions
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In a large Dutch oven, or heavy-bottomed pot, over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook until soft, approximately 3 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, approximately 4 minutes. Make sure you break up the beef as it cooks so it doesn’t form large chunks.
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Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, porter and spices. Simmer over medium heat for approximately 25 to 30 minutes, until thickened. Serve with any desired toppings such as shredded cheese or sour cream.