National Chili Month

 

National Chili month was established in October to keep us warm, as the weather begins to drastically get cooler. With the smell of spices, meat, and peppers simmering on our kitchen stoves, this dish can be made in so many ways, with so many different ingredients. Packed with protein, fiber, iron, and so much more, contributing to a healthy diet.

 

The first official bowl of chili can be found in the great, wild American West around the 1700s using local peppers and wild onions. The dish grew in popularity in San Antonio, Texas with the Cowboys & Pioneers. Soon after, it was established as the “Poor Mans Meal” with the few ingredients it needed. Eventually, Chili could be found having its own stand at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago for all to try. With its popularity growing across the United States, Texas named it their official state dish in 1977. Chili Parlors became a popular gathering place during the Great Depression and became the only destination for the many who needed meals.

 

With new Chili recipes popping up, Chili Cook off competitions also started to draw hungry crowds. If you are craving some chili, check out these spots in Richmond with some delicious chili dishes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rick Cox – White Chili

 

Eleni Filippone – Classic Chili

 

Tunde Lewis – Turkey Pumpkin White Bean Chili

 

Melanie Sutherland – Southwest Chicken Chili

 

Christina Dunski – Hatch Pepper Chili

 

Brett Lynes – Chili Mac & Cheese

 

Harrison Goehring – Black Bean Sweet Potato Chili