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–+ servings
Chili from Mrs. Preston
This hearty vintage chili recipe by Mrs. Preston is a treasured glimpse into early to mid-20th century American home cooking. Featuring a straightforward mix of chili meat, suet, onion, garlic, and bold chili powder, this dish brings a comforting, rustic flavor that evokes memories of family dinners and slow-simmered goodness. The inclusion of suet reflects an old-school approach to depth of flavor and richness. It's a perfect recipe for those wanting an authentic, warming chili experience with a touch of nostalgia.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
Servings 6
Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • ¾ lb suet (ground fine)
  • 3 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
  • 1 onion (chopped)
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 3 tbsp flour

Instructions
 

Step 1: Brown Suet

  • Place suet in a pan and slightly brown it over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

  • Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until tender and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Meat

  • Add chili meat to the pan. Stir and cook until browned.

Step 4: Season and Simmer

  • Add 3 tbsp chili powder and 1 tbsp salt. Stir well. Cover and simmer on low heat for 30–45 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken Chili

  • Add 3 tbsp flour. Stir thoroughly to combine and thicken the mixture. Cook for an additional 10–15 minutes.

Tips

  • Add diced tomatoes or tomato sauce for a more modern chili texture.
  • Substitute suet with vegetable oil or bacon fat.
  • Add beans (pinto or kidney) for a hearty, budget-friendly variation.
  • Use coarse-ground chili meat for a more rustic, old-style chili.
  • Add cumin, oregano, or smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
  • Increase chili powder to make it spicier.
  • Add jalapeños or green chiles for heat and freshness.
  • Replace flour with masa harina for a Tex-Mex style thickener.
  • Simmer longer (1.5–2 hours) for richer flavor.
  • Serve with cheddar, onions, and crackers for a classic presentation.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 32gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 320IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 3.4mg
Keyword Beef, chili, comfort food, cozy meals, handwritten recipe, heirloom recipe, old-fashioned baking, spicy, suet
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