Chili Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2024)

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Chili Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary? ›

Britannica Dictionary definition of CHILI. 1. [count, noncount] : a small pepper with a very hot flavor.

noun. , plural chil·ies. Sometimes chil·e. a hearty stew that is also used as a topping condiment on other dishes and has varied recipes and ingredients, with or without meat, ultimately derived from the Mexican-style chili con carne.

1. a. or chili pepper : a hot pepper of any of a group of cultivars (Capsicum annuum annuum group longum) noted for their pungency. b. chiefly British chilli : a pepper whether hot or sweet.

Definition of 'chili'

Chilies are small, red or green peppers. They have a very hot taste and are used in cooking. Chili is a dish made from meat or beans, or sometimes both, with a thick sauce of tomatoes, and powdered or fresh chilies.

The difference between chili, chilli, and chile, is usually a matter of location. In American English, chili is the most common spelling for the spicy peppers as well as the stew and hotdog topping. In British English the preferred spelling is chilli.

/ˈtʃɪl·i (ˌpep·ər)/ plural chilies or chiles. Add to word list Add to word list. any of several types of red pepper (= type of vegetable) that are used to make foods spicy. Chili is also a spicy dish made with beans, chilies, and usually meat.

Because chiles were new to the Spaniards, they took the name directly from Nahuatl (the language spoken by the Aztecs). Spaniards decided the word “chili” would mean “hot pepper,” because it reminded them of the spicy flavor of black pepper, which they were familiar with.

(also chilli pepper) [countable, uncountable] the small green or red fruit of a type of pepper plant that is used in cooking to give a hot taste to food, often dried or made into powder, also called chilli or chilli powderTopics Foodb2. Oxford Collocations Dictionary.

Chili's Popularity and Recipe Adaptations

The ICS defines Traditional Red Chili as "any kind of meat, or combination of meats, cooked with red chili peppers, various spices, and other ingredients. Beans and non-vegetable fillers such as rice and pasta are not allowed."

Food historians speculate that chili originated in Texas-Mexico border towns and spread north. In the 1880s San Antonio's downtown was famous for Hispanic outdoor vendors called "chili queens." At Chicago's 1893 World's Columbian Exposition Texas-style chili was popular, and at St.

Does chili have beans yes or no? ›

The majority of us believed that beans are an essential part of our favorite chili recipes, but there were a few caveats. According to our Associate Culinary Producer Justin Sullivan, "BEANS GO IN CHILI unless it's specifically called 'Texas' chili."

Vegetarian chili

It is also popular with those on a diet restricting the use of red meat. To make the chili vegetarian, the cook leaves out the meat or replaces it with a meat analogue, such as textured vegetable protein or tofu, quinoa, or a starchy vegetable, such as potatoes.

For the most part, it's a geographical thing. In Texas, chili without beans is the norm. This sentiment is carried throughout many southern states. However, hop on the interstate and head north and you'll find that many kitchens will be cooking up pots of chili exclusively with beans.

No-beans side argue that beans distract your mouth from the beef and spices that chili is supposed to showcase. Texans in particular are likely to reject beans; in fact, the no-bean version is often referred to as Texas chili.

Thanks to the combination of meat, beans, and meat-based broth, your chili is likely to be far thicker than the average soup. However, that doesn't necessarily mean that chili is stew! While chili is traditionally made to be thick, some cooks prefer to keep the liquid portion of the dish a bit thinner.

The question of whether beans belong in chili has long been a matter of contention among chili cooks. While it is generally accepted that the earliest chilis did not include beans, proponents of their inclusion contend that chili with beans has a long enough history to be considered authentic.