Hodgepodge Chili Recipes

TRADITIONAL MARITIME HODGE PODGE

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat until evenly browned, about 10 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Crumble and set aside.
• Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and whole garlic clove. Cook and stir until the garlic has softened, and the onions begin to turn golden-brown, about 8 minutes. Scrape the mixture into a small bowl; remove the garlic clove, mash, and return to the onions. Place the green beans, wax beans, and carrots into the saucepan. Pour in the chicken broth and enough water to just cover the vegetables; season with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer 15 minutes.
• After the beans have simmered 15 minutes, stir in the new potatoes and cook until tender, about 30 minutes more. Stir in the garlic, onions, 1/4 cup butter, and cream; return to a simmer. Dissolve the flour in 1/2 cup of water and stir into the soup. Cook and stir until the soup has thickened, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve with crumbled bacon.

NOVA SCOTIAN HODGE PODGE

Steps:

• Place the green beans, wax beans, carrots and turnips into a saucepan and add enough water to cover the vegetables. Lightly salt the water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 1/2 hour, then add the potatoes and cook for another 1/2 hour. Stir in butter and if desired, cream.
• Mix together the flour and 1/2 cup water, and pour into the soup. Cook for a few more minutes to thicken. Remove from heat and serve hot.

NOVA SCOTIA HODGE PODGE

Steps:

• Split the beans in half lengthwise.
• Cut carrots into long sticks.
• Shell peas and place all together into unsalted, boiling water.
• Boil fast uncovered for 8 minutes.
• Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
• Peel potatoes and slice into matchsticks.
• Cook covered til just tender. Drain, reserving water. Set aside.
• Break cauliflower into flowerlets. Place in a saucepan, and using potato water, boil uncovered 8-10 minutes Drain and set aside.
• Mix vegetables in a warm dish. Cover and let stand in a warm place.
• While vegetables are cooking, prepare sauce:.
• Melt diced salt pork in a cast iron frying pan over medium heat.
• When golden brown, discard enough fat so only half a cup remains.
• Add flour and stir over medium heat until it turns a light brown colour.
• Pour in cream, vegetable water and stir until creamy.
• Add chives or green onions, pepper, and salt to taste (as salt pork is often sufficient).
• Pour over the vegetables, and serve.

EASY HOMEMADE CHILI

Steps:

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the beef and onion and saute until meat is browned and onion is tender. Add the stewed tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, beans and water.
• Season with the chili powder, garlic powder, salt and ground black pepper to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and let simmer for 15 minutes.

THE BEST CHILI

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a Dutch oven or large pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until just browned, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate with a slotted spoon.
• Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly golden, about 10 minutes.
• Add the jalapeno and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
• Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the tomato paste. Cook, stirring frequently, until coated and fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Stir in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the cooked ground beef and any accumulated liquid, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer the chili, partially covered, until the beef is tender and the sauce is slightly thickened, about 30 minutes.
• Stir in the beans and their liquid and simmer uncovered until the beans are softened and the chili is thickened, about 30 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.
• Top with sour cream, Cheddar and scallions. Serve with tortilla chips.

HODGEPODGE CHILI

Steps:

• Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add sausage and beef to oil. Cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
• Stir in onion, bell pepper, garlic, jalapenos, chili powder, cumin seeds and salt. Cook, stirring often, until onion softens, about 4 minutes.
• Add tomatoes, beans, broth, tomato paste, cilantro and parsley; stir to combine. Heat to a boil; reduce to a simmer. Cook, partially covered, until flavors have blended, 2 1/2-3 hours.
• Taste and adjust seasonings.
• Serve with toppings on the side if desired.