Chili Mac

Beans or no beans? That is the question. If you ask some Texans, authentic chili does not have them.

As I was making another pot of chili, I became curious about the origins of this dish that can create questions of authenticity. I am sure none of you will be surprised chili has roots in Mexican culture and became prominent in Tex-Mex cooking. Some even argue we need to go further into looking at Moroccan cooking which is the origin of the spices.

Regardless of how you make it, it seems we can thank the chili stands at the World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893. According to the Texas Heritage for Living, this appearance inspired the packaging of chili powder in 1900 and allowed the inspiration of using chili on foods from hot dogs to pasta.

I can certainly raise a “fork” to that history. I wonder if the “chili queens” of San Antonio would believe their hearty meal for laborers would be so popular today.