Should we listen to Obama in the kitchen or should he stick to politics?
That’s for you to decide after you make Barack Obama’s Chili recipe. When Obama was asked what his favorite dish was to bring to a potluck he said he’s been making this chili recipe since college and loves to bring it to parties. Now, I don’t know HOW MANY potluck’s the Obama’s attend (I’m thinking not many), but I was very curious about what Obama thinks is a great pot of chili.
I do have one complaint, at the end of this recipe Obama indicates he can’t reveal all his chili secrets but if it’s made right it’s got the right amount of bite and oomph. So basically Prez, you are already holding out on us, I haven’t decided if I like that or not. However, I give you props for publishing the basic model of your chili recipe at all, as I never would with mine…it’s a secret. Not to mention it’s a highly involved recipe.
If you are celebrating the inauguration of our new President, what better meal to make than Obama’s chili.
I thought about replicating some part of the Inaugural Luncheon Menu, until I saw it. I mean there is absolutely NOTHING wrong with it, it’s a beautiful menu. If it was put in front of me, I would gladly eat it and undoubtedly lick the bowl clean…it’s just that a part of me feels the Inaugural Meal should reflect the food likes and style of the incoming President. I mean it’s all about him isn’t it?
For example, the Obama’s love Rick Bayliss’ cooking and it would have been nice to see a menu more tailored to the Obama’s (or any incoming President’s) favorite foods.
Instead, a modest-home style all American feast inspired by the bicentenary of Abraham Lincoln’s birth has been prepared. A menu reflecting the likes of Abraham Lincoln and what was served during those times. AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THAT….I just wish it was a little different is all. I also learned the meal is planned months before the election to accommodate both the Republican and Democratic nominee so I guess it’s not that personal of a meal after all. I just think it should be.
Here’s the Inaugural Menu…let me know what you think…
Seafood Stew
Pheasant and Duck served with Sour-Cherry Chutney & Molasses Sweet Potatoes
Apple-Cinnamon Sponge Cake
But if you want to eat and cook like the President…here’s what to make:
This is what you will need: Ground beef, onion, green bell pepper, garlic, ground cumin, ground oregano, ground turmeric, ground basil, chili powder, red wine vinegar, tomatoes and red kidney beans. Ingredients not shown: Olive oil and salt.
In a large heavy pot, saute onion, green pepper and garlic in 1 Tablespoon olive oil.
Add 1 pound ground beef to the onion-pepper mixture and brown. In a small bowl combine 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon ground oregano, 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric, 1/4 teaspoon ground basil, 3/4 teaspoon table salt and 1 Tablespoon chili powder. Add to the ground beef mixture, stirring until combined. Stir in 3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar.
Add chopped tomatoes and cover. Simmer until tomatoes cook down, about twenty minutes. Stir occasionally.
Add one 15 ounce can of red kidney beans and cook until warmed through, about three minutes.
Serve over white rice and garnish with sour cream, cheddar cheese and onions.
I have to say I was pleasantly surprised that such a simple and quickly put together chili had such a good flavor. Try it and decide for yourself.
Barack Obama’s Chili
1 large onion, chopped (I used brown)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
Several cloves of garlic, crushed (I used four)
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef (I used lean, 7{5396afcf7ebcb011d88226d96591fa60d0bb5a6cac0179c8121d60c005c366a8} fat)
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground basil (I used basil leaves)
3/4 teaspoon table salt (this was my addition, it needed it)
1 Tablespoon chili powder
3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
Several tomatoes, depending on size, chopped (I used four medium-sized)
1 can red kidney beans (I poured out about 1/2-inch of the liquid and then poured the rest of the can in the chili)
In a large heavy pot, saute onion, green pepper and garlic in olive oil.
Add ground beef to the onion-pepper mixture and brown. In a small bowl combine ground cumin, ground oregano, ground turmeric, ground basil, salt and chili powder. Add to the ground beef mixture, stirring until combined. Stir in red wine vinegar.
Add chopped tomatoes and cover. Simmer until tomatoes cook down, about twenty minutes. Stir occasionally. Add one red kidney beans and cook until warmed through, about three minutes.
Serve over white rice and garnish with sour cream, cheddar cheese and onions.