Wednesday 21 January 2009

Obama's chili

Not only is Barack Obama the President and a great politician, but it seems as if he can cook too, At least he can if his chili recipe is anything to go by.

I found this recipe over at Hopies Kitchen and was intrigued to find out just how good Obama's cooking is. The chili contains a couple of unexpected ingredients, turmeric, basil and red wine vinegar, I've never seen these in a chili recipe before but they didn't seem out of place in the finished dish, in fact they were a nice addition that I will use again.
I followed the recipe pretty closely the only changes being that I doubled the spices and herbs to add more flavour and I used an extra pepper. I also used black beans instead of kidney beans simply because that's what I had.

Recipe (Original from ABC News)

  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green pepper, chopped
  • Several cloves of garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground turkey or beef
  • 1/4 teaspoon (each) of ground cumin, ground oregano, ground turmeric, and ground basil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • Several tomatoes, depending on size, chopped
  • 1 can red kidney beans

Method:

  • Sauté onions, green pepper and garlic in olive oil until soft.
  • Add ground meat and brown.
  • Combine spices together into a mixture, then add to ground meat.
  • Add red wine vinegar.
  • Add tomatoes and let simmer, until tomatoes cook down.
  • Add kidney beans and cook for a few more minutes.
  • Serve over white or brown rice. Garnish with grated cheddar cheese, onions and sour cream.
I thought the finished dish was really tasty and well flavoured and well balanced, I'll certainly be making it again although next time I will add more vegetables.

13 comments:

Beth (jamandcream) said...

I recently saw a Gorden Ramsey Chilli recipe with red wine vinegar in it. I will have to try it out

Karen said...

Hi Sam - I've never heard of red wine vinegar in a chili either, but I suspect it kind of gives it a zing!

Pam said...

I've never had chili over rice but I trust Obama (and you) so I am sure it was tasty.

Anonymous said...

Wow, this one's making the rounds - I agree that the turmeric and basil are untraditional, but I bet that's what makes it special!

Joie de vivre said...

I'm glad to hear our new president is also a good cook. :)

Anonymous said...

This would be delicious with some American corn bread!

pigpigscorner said...

Chili and rice..delicious!

Anne said...

I'm intrigued by the addition of ground turmeric and ground basil but might have to give it a whirl to see how it compares to Jo Pratt's recipe, which is a staple in our house! :)

Abitofafoodie said...

Who would have thought that Obama had time for cooking?! I love chilli and I like the sound of these unusual ingredients to give it a different twist.

Alicia Foodycat said...

I'll have to try that! I like the sound of vinegar in it.

Joie de vivre said...

Hey Sam, Thanks for adding me to your blogroll. It is indeed a surprise and a compliment.

Hopie said...

Yes he can! (cook, that is) I agree with you about more veggies, that's why I added carrots to mine but his mix of spices is yummy stuff and I liked the addition of red wine vinegar.

Anonymous said...

I made this last night Sam. I did what you suggested and doubled up on the spices. I didn't add any beans - just because my girls do not like beans. I also added 2 red peppers and everyone really liked it! I served it with jacket potatoes.