Adam Ragusea Chili

Jennifer Segal

16 May, 2024

Spice up your kitchen with Adam Ragusea's chipotle-infused chili! Discover a smoky twist on a classic comfort dish in our savory recipe guide.

Adam Ragusea Chili

Publisher: Crisp Recipe
Cuisine: American
Category: Main dish
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1-2 hours
Servings: 6
Calories: 300 calories

Adam Ragusea's chili is a popular recipe known for its simplicity and bold flavors. This chili recipe, inspired by the cooking style of the YouTube personality and food enthusiast, Adam Ragusea, features a delightful twist with the addition of chipotles in adobo sauce.

It's a Tex-Mex-inspired dish that combines the heartiness of ground beef (or a meat substitute for a vegetarian option) with the smoky and spicy kick of chipotle peppers.

One of the standout ingredients in this chili is the can of chipotles in adobo sauce, which provides a rich, smoky flavor and a touch of heat. These chipotles are minced and incorporated into the chili along with some of the adobo sauce, adding a distinctive and unforgettable taste.

Additionally, using dried kidney beans instead of canned beans is a hallmark of this recipe, as it allows for a deeper and more robust bean flavor.

This chili is typically simmered for an extended period, allowing the flavors to meld together and the dried beans to become tender. It's a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for warming up on a chilly day or for serving at gatherings.

While it can be customized with various toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions, it's the chipotle-infused base that sets Adam Ragusea's chili apart and makes it a favorite among those seeking a flavorful and satisfying chili experience.

Recipe

Experience culinary delight with Adam Ragusea's chili recipe. Learn how to infuse smoky chipotle flavors into your favorite comfort food.

Ingredients

1 pound dried kidney beans
1 pound ground beef (or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
2-3 chipotles in adobo sauce (adjust to your preferred spice level), minced
1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the can of chipotles
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Method Instructions

Start by soaking the dried kidney beans overnight in a large bowl of water. Drain and rinse them before using.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sauté until translucent.
Add the ground beef (or meat substitute) to the pot and cook until browned and crumbled.
Stir in the diced bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Add the soaked and drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, minced chipotles in adobo sauce, and the tablespoon of adobo sauce from the can. Stir everything together.
Pour in enough water to cover the ingredients (usually about 4-5 cups). Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the beans are tender. You may need to add more water during cooking if it gets too thick.
Taste the chili and add salt and pepper as needed.
Serve the chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Recipe Video

Adam Ragusea Chili

This is a video about Adam Ragusea Chili.

Rated: 4.9 of 5.0 from 146 reviews.

Recipe Tags: Adam Ragusea Chili, Adam Ragusea Chili Recipe, Recipe

Servings

1. Bowl it Up: Ladle the hot chili into individual bowls. Make sure each serving includes a good balance of the meat, beans, and sauce.

2. Add Toppings: Customize your chili with a variety of toppings based on your preferences. Some popular choices include:

Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
Sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast to the spiciness
Chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous touch
Sliced jalapeños or pickled jalapeño rings for an extra kick
Squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty twist

3. Serve with Sides: Consider serving your chili with some traditional accompaniments like cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread. These can be used for dipping or as a side to complement the chili.

4. Enjoy! Once you've added your preferred toppings and paired it with sides, it's time to enjoy your hearty bowl of Adam Ragusea's chili. The smoky, spicy flavors and the rich, meaty texture make it a satisfying and comforting meal.

5. Store and Reheat: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat portions in a saucepan over low to medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency if necessary.

Tips

Adjust the Heat: The spiciness of this chili comes from the chipotles in adobo sauce. Be mindful of your spice tolerance and adjust the amount of chipotles accordingly. You can start with a small amount and add more as needed to achieve your desired level of heat.
Soak Dried Beans: If you're using dried kidney beans, be sure to soak them overnight before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly and reduces cooking time.
Taste and Adjust: Chili is a dish that benefits from tasting as you go. Feel free to adjust the seasonings, such as chili powder, cumin, and salt, to suit your taste preferences. You can always add more spices later in the cooking process.
Simmer Slowly: Simmering the chili for an extended period is key to developing its flavors. The longer it cooks, the richer and more flavorful it becomes. Be patient and let it simmer until the beans are tender.
Storage and Reheating: Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. When reheating, add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency, as chili can thicken when refrigerated.
Toppings and Sides: Get creative with your toppings and side choices. The toppings mentioned earlier, like shredded cheese and sour cream, are popular options. Cornbread, tortilla chips, or crusty bread make excellent sides to complement the chili.
Make It Your Own: While this recipe is inspired by Adam Ragusea's style, don't be afraid to make it your own. You can experiment with different types of beans, ground meats, or additional vegetables to personalize the chili to your liking.

Ingredient Substitutes

Check out some ingredient substitutions you can consider for Adam Ragusea's chili recipe:

Meat Substitute: If you prefer a vegetarian or vegan version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based options like textured vegetable protein (TVP), crumbled tempeh, or a meatless ground product made from soy or mushrooms.
Dried Beans: While the recipe calls for dried kidney beans, you can use other types of dried beans like pinto beans, black beans, or a combination of beans for variety. Canned beans can also be used if you want to save time, though the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
Onion and Garlic: If you're out of fresh onions and garlic, you can use onion and garlic powder as a substitute. Keep in mind that the flavor may be milder, so adjust the quantities accordingly.
Bell Pepper: If you don't have a fresh bell pepper, you can use frozen bell pepper strips or omit it altogether if you're not a fan of peppers.
Canned Tomatoes: Instead of canned diced tomatoes, you can use canned crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, or even tomato paste diluted with water. Adjust the consistency as needed.
Chipotles in Adobo Sauce: If you can't find chipotles in adobo sauce, you can substitute with chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Use sparingly, as chipotle powder can be quite potent.
Adobo Sauce: If you have chipotles but no adobo sauce, you can create a substitute by blending the chipotles with some tomato sauce, vinegar, and a pinch of sugar for sweetness.
Toppings: Customize your chili with various toppings based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Experiment with different types of cheese, yogurt instead of sour cream, or fresh herbs like parsley if you don't have cilantro.
Spices: Adjust the spices to your liking. If you're missing a specific spice, you can often find suitable substitutes in your spice rack. For instance, paprika can be a substitute for chili powder, and coriander can add a citrusy note if you don't have fresh cilantro.