Anyone who knows me even a little knows I'm a huge chili fan. So been doing a lot of reading on what constitute's authentic Texas style chili. It's not hard. Basically - it's beef and spices. A traditional 'bowl of red' - real Texas chili - has no vegetables (other than dried chilis and spices) or other ingredients added. It's basically beef and spices. If you ever participate in or observe a chili cookoff you'll find out - any additions are considered sacrilege.
I have an appreciation for 'the rules'. Regional dishes are one of the most awesome cultural mile markers of any neighborhood, city, state, region, or country. Eating authentic dishes can literally transport you to a place in my opinion. Doing authentic versions of these kinds of dishes is really cool.
I'm making Texas chili today. But it won't be authentic. I'll do most of the critical steps. Take dried Guajillo and New Mex peppers and make my own paste from them, cube and sear really good beef, simmer the chili for hours with several 'spice dumps'.... but I will also commit sacrilege because for me, the best chili always has tomatoes and beans in it. I don't really care what purists say. I'm not even particularly curious what a truly authentic verions of Texas chili would taste like although I've thought about doing one just to find out for sure. But ultimately, I know what flavors I love and have to have in a chili.
I'm banned from crossing into Texas. But damn this chili is going to be good.
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