8
Dinner by a campfire is the original family meal. And centuries later, nothing tops it! Today, you can use your own backyard on a warm summer evening!
,
One thing most historians agree on is that chili is not from Mexico (or from Chile!). It was most likely invented in Texas. Some say the first chili mix was cooked up around 1850 by Texan cowboys traveling to the California gold fields and around Texas. Needing hot grub, the trail cooks came up with a sort
• • • • • • • • • • • • • •
• • • • • • • • • •
10 to 12 dried pasilla chile peppers 4 tbs canola oil 1 red bell pepper 1 green bell pepper 1 1/2 jalapeño peppers 9 cloves garlic 2 small red onions 3 lbs. ground turkey 1/3 cup tomato paste 3 cups tomato sauce 1 cup chicken broth 1 tbs granulated onion 2 tsp granulated garlic 3 tbs chili powder
2 tbs paprika 1 tbs ground cumin 2 tsp cayenne pepper 2 tbs Kosher salt 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper 3 cups canned pinto beans with liquid 3 cups canned kidney beans with liquid 2 cups canned black beans with liquid shredded cheddar cheese saltine crackers
How many di erences can you nd between these two cowboys?
of stew made from dried beef, fat, pepper, salt, and chili
peppers. This mix was dried
into “chili bricks” that could be boiled in pots along the trail.
Standards Link: History: Students understand historical perspective.
Rehydrate the pasilla peppers in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes, or until softened; drain. Remove the stems and seeds; dice the peppers. Warm the oil in a large pot over high heat. Add the pasillas, diced bell peppers, minced jalapeños, minced garlic cloves, and diced red onions, and cook until caramelized, about 8 minutes. Add the turkey and gently stir, trying not to break up the meat too much; cook until the meat is no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste and sauce, stir for 4 minutes, then add the chicken broth. Add the granulated onion and garlic, chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir in the beans and their liquid, lower the heat and cook, uncovered, for at least 1 hour. Garnish with shredded cheddar and serve with saltines.
Mealtime is a chance for families to talk about things that are interesting. Here’s today’s topic: Have each family member choose 10 words to describe their day. But first, choose a letter that is off limits and may not be used in any of their words.
How many chili peppers can you nd on this page in two minutes? Have a friend try. Who found the most?
© Vicki Whiting July 2025
familyresourcegroupinc.com
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software