A Guide To The Different Chili Styles Found Across The US

When we talk about food with someone, we’re usually under the assumption that both parties are thinking of the same dish. That’s not always the case. Some foods come in many different styles, but the distinguishing factor isn’t necessarily obvious. For instance, foods like paella or bolognese can be made with varying ingredients yet are still often referred to by their generic names.

It’s the same situation with chili. Across the nation, there are many different versions of this beloved dish. Of course, as people can be so passionate, the dish can sometimes cause a little conflict. We’re not here to say which is the best of them all. However, we are here to provide a guide to the different chili styles found across the US.

Carne adovada uses a chili pepper sauce

The fact that carne adovada doesn’t have chili in the name may make you suspicious. Technically, it’s not a chili but rather a cooking method that uses a red chili-pepper-based sauce to marinate and stew pork. However, it’s still worth mentioning, especially as the food can be enjoyed in the ways a person may consume other chili dishes. You can enjoy the tender pieces of meat on their own, as a stew, in a burrito, or something else entirely.

Chili con carne can sometimes be called Texas Red

Chili con carne, also known as Texas Red, typically features stewed chunks of beef cooked in a spicy sauce made of cumin and red chilies. It’s been the state dish for over 45 years and is a delight to many who love their food to have a kick. One way to upset a Texan who’s a fan of this particular dish is to suggest cooking it with any kind of filler, especially beans. However, there’s some debate about whether tomatoes are okay.

Cincinnati chili is inspired by Mediterranean cuisine

Some of the US’s most popular chilis don’t solely have origins here. For instance, Cincinnati chili is influenced by Mediterranean flavors as it was created by Greek-Macedonian brothers John and Tom Kiradjieff. Using ingredients like beef, cumin, chili pepper, paprika, allspice, cinnamon, and chocolate, they were able to create something truly unforgettable. They also decided to serve it with spaghetti and a heaping of cheddar cheese, making this a filling dish indeed.

Oklahoma chili is similar to Texas Red

A dish quite similar to Texas Red is Oklahoma chili. However, the two aren’t exactly the same, with people typically less strict about adding extra ingredients to the latter. Things like beans and masa are often welcome additions to this dish, which some people find hard to pin down. That’s because the Oklahoma point of view is apparently that they’ve never met a chili they didn’t like. So, this dish can be quite a vibrant mix sometimes.

White chili uses poultry over beef

If you think that chili should always be red, then you’re not likely to be a fan of white chili. As the name suggests, it’s a lot lighter than a lot of other chili dishes. However, this isn’t the only notable difference. There’s also the fact that it tends to use shredded poultry as the meat, which you don’t typically see. This dish also typically has a base of fresh peppers with white beans and shredded cheese.

Springfield Chilli is a favorite in Illinois

If you see an American writing chili with two “L”s, they’re not secretly an English person in disguise. Instead, they’re probably talking about Springfield Chilli, which is beloved in Illinois. It features tender ground beef, Hunt’s canned tomato sauce, and a secret spice mixture that includes Tabasco and chili powder. Joe DeFrates, who once won the National and World Chili Championships, reportedly came up with this signature recipe and began serving it in Springfield.

Chile verde utilizes pork and is often sweeter

Another style of chili you can find across the US is chile verde. Some notable differences with this dish are the use of pork as the primary meat, the inclusion of tomatillos in the sauce, and a lack of cumin. The chili peppers are usually fresh when used in this food, with New Mexico residents adamant that these must come from the village of Hatch. This might be quite specific, but it usually results in a deliciously smoky and sweet dish.

Vegetarian chili comes in all shapes and sizes

Not everyone eats meat, with the number of vegetarians steadily growing across the US. So, it’s perhaps no surprise there’s a meat-free version of chili out there. While some takes on this dish simply use a meat substitute, others remove this element entirely and add ingredients like sweet potatoes and vegetables instead. Not only do these add to the great flavor of the food, but they also provide some different textures that make the eating experience more exciting.

As you can see, if you’re going to talk about chili with someone, it’s important to establish exactly what dish you’re talking about. Otherwise, you two could spend ages discussing the food without even realizing that you’re talking about two different things entirely.