How long do you simmer chili?

Question

How long do you simmer your chili for? I have heard the longer the better, but is 7 or 8 hours too long? I like it thick and chunky, but I dont want it all cooked away. Can I add water gradually if I do let it simmer a long time? Does the flavor get better?

Also, have you ever tried putting a Heineken or Coca-Cola in your chili?

Answer 1

I simmer for at least an hour, longer IS better, as long as it is low enough not to scorch it.
And, yes, I have put beer in chili. The alcohol cooks off but leaves a special flavor.
Chili seems to taste better after it has been stored for a day or so in the refridgerator.

"Wild Bird Gizzard" Chili
2 lb.. lean meat (your choice)
1 cup purified water
1 - 16 oz can tomato puree
1 cup fresh chopped onion
1 can green chili's, chopped
* Cook with meat until done

Add
1 teaspoon pepper sauce
1 Tablespoon pure chili powder
1/4 cup V's spice mix
1 teaspoon oregano
2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon cilantro
1 can beer

Cook covered for at least one hour,
simmering over medium heat, stir occasionally

Answer 2

Yes. I have made beer chili. Don't add too much or it will have an off flavor. Never made chili with Coke. Actually, chili doesn't need to simmer at all. It just needs to be brought up to temp and seasoned. Unless, of course, there are some chunks of beef in it that need to get tender. Stews are simmered to make the meat tender. Some soups are simmered for about 20 min. to get rid of the starchy taste (if the soup was thickened with flour or cornstarch). These would be the only reasons to simmer. If your chili is has not been thickened with a starch, don't worry about simmering. I disagree that simmering adds to the flavor. What will add to the flavor is to allow it to cool and put it in the fridge for a day. Flavors tend to "marry" when you do this with chili or soup.

Answer 3

Although some chili recipes say to simmer only 40 minutes, I find it tastes best with a minimum of 4 hours.

I would not add much water at any given time - stir it in well maybe 1/4 to 1/2 cup at a time.

nope - never tried any kind of beer or soda in the chili that I make. I can't vouch for any that I have had outside my home though!

good eating!

Answer 4

This thread maybe nine years old but it includes some of the worst recipes for Chili I have ever seen. It s amazing how different "Texas" chilis are here. Whether hamburger or cubed beef, once it s brought to a boil, simmering for an hour is usually sufficient. It s not barbecue, it s chili! Anyone ever been to a chili competition?

Answer 5

Ours simmers all day, around 8-9 hours (early start at 7 a.m.). And I always add a light beer. If It looks too thick, I either add half a beer or some water. But the flavors are incredible after a long slow simmer.

Answer 6

My husband simmers his about 50 minutes to an hour.

Husband's chili recipe:

Large/deep heavy pan.
Brown a pound of beef on low heat.
When the red is out of the beef
Add 1/3 chopped onion, cook til soft.
Add one can mild or medium Ro-Tel tomatoes,
Add one small can Hormel chili with beans,
Add one large can Hormel chili without beans,
Simmer for about 50 minutes to one hour.

We make up serving containers with lids and freeze so we can always have chili on hand.

Answer 7

Chili Cooking Time

Answer 8

You can keep it on low simmer for hours.
Mine is texas chile - chunks of meat so long cooking makes that meat tender. 40 minutes would not do at all.
Keep it covered and whenever you think it is getting too thick add a bit of water.
The long cooking tenderizes the meat and blends the flavours but you still need moisture left at the end.
Even if you add beer or coke it won't be there if you leave the lid off and cook all the moisture out.

Answer 9

I like to simmer it about 3-4 hours, then refrigerate it overnight and re-heat it the next day. Gives the same blending and mellowing of flavors without cooking the beans to mush. Beanless chili? 8 hours or more will only make it better but do keep adding liquid to keep it from scorching.

Bert

Answer 10

I use my slow cooker for my chili. Cook 7 to 8 hours on low. You can add water while chili is cooking but I don't think you will need to if you use a slow cooker.