The Silver Palate cookbook, a culinary touchstone for many, introduced generations to sophisticated yet approachable cooking. Their chili recipe is no exception. While the original might be designed for a smaller gathering, this enhanced version scales beautifully to feed a crowd, keeping all the rich, complex flavors intact. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this elevated take on a classic comfort food.
What Makes Silver Palate Chili Unique?
The magic of Silver Palate chili lies in its depth of flavor. Unlike many chili recipes relying heavily on just one or two flavor profiles, this recipe boasts a sophisticated blend of spices, smoky chipotle peppers, and rich dark chocolate. The unexpected addition of chocolate adds a surprising depth and richness, balancing the spice beautifully. This isn't your average, run-of-the-mill chili; it's an experience.
Scaling Up the Silver Palate Chili Recipe for a Crowd
The original Silver Palate recipe is a fantastic starting point, but we'll need to adjust the quantities to accommodate a larger group. This version serves approximately 20-25 people. Remember to adjust based on your specific crowd size.
Ingredients (multiplied for a large batch):
- 4 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and chuck for extra richness)
- 4 large onions, chopped
- 4 green bell peppers, chopped
- 8 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 (15-ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 4 (4-ounce) cans diced green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, avocado
Instructions:
- Brown the beef: In a large stockpot or Dutch oven (or even several large pots!), brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the onions and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the chili: Stir in the remaining ingredients (tomatoes, tomato sauce, green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, chocolate, and beef broth). Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a deeper, richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the better it gets! Stir occasionally.
- Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings.
Can I Make This Chili Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This chili actually improves in flavor the longer it sits. Make it a day or two in advance and reheat gently before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully, resulting in an even richer and more complex chili.
What Kind of Chocolate Should I Use?
The original Silver Palate recipe calls for dark chocolate, typically 70% cacao or higher. The bitterness of the dark chocolate complements the spice of the chili, adding a surprising depth that's simply delicious. Avoid using milk chocolate or semi-sweet chocolate, as their sweetness might clash with the other flavors.
Is This Chili Gluten-Free?
Yes, this chili recipe is naturally gluten-free, provided you use gluten-free beef broth. Always double-check the labels on your ingredients to ensure they are free of gluten.
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
While ground beef is traditional, you can experiment with other ground meats, such as ground turkey or a combination of beef and pork. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but the overall result will still be delicious.
This enhanced Silver Palate chili recipe, scaled for a crowd, is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. The combination of rich flavors, smoky heat, and surprising chocolate notes will leave your guests wanting more. Enjoy!
