The earthy heat and flavor of the Green cooked combined with 
pork and cooked for hours? Or the almost sweet warmth of the 
Red, using the added broth as a catalyst to explode into 
flavor? Which do you chose? Where do you stand in the Chili 
Wars?

Lest you think this is not an important question, look at 
the volumes of literature and the heated (no pun intended) 
discussions on the subject throughout the Southwest! Texas, it 
seems, is a firm ally of Red chili. Green chili, however, seems 
to be the state choice for New Mexico. And California - ahhhh, 
California! - swings both ways!

Without telling you where my loyalties lie (although you will 
probably guess!), here are two delicious examples of each side:


RED CHILI
 
Ingredients
 
1 onion, medium, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped small
1 tsp. garlic, minced
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 teaspoon peppercorns, cracked
45 ounces Chile beans, hot and spicy variety, 3 cans
24 ounces V-8 juice
24 ounces beef broth
2 tablespoons Ancho Chile powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
 
To a large skillet (preferably cast iron) add the ground beef, 
onion, pepper, garlic, and pepper  and cook until the meat is 
colored but not browned. Add 1 ½ cups of beef broth. Cover and 
reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30 minutes.
 
Stir in the spices, the beans, V-8, and the remaining beef 
broth, chile powder and cumin. Cover and continue to simmer 
2-3 hours. Serves 8.


GREEN CHILI - The Elixir of the Gods! (Oppps! I wasn't gonna 
tell!)
 
Ingredients

2 Tbsp. Olive Oil (or other oil, in a pinch)
1.5 lbs. Cubed Pork
1-1/2 Tbsp. garlic, chopped
1 med. Onion, diced
2 oz. chopped canned Jalapeno
8 oz. chopped canned green chiles
15 oz. canned chicken broth
15 oz. water
28 oz. canned tomatillos, drained and crushed
1 Tbsp. oregano
Black pepper to taste
1 tsp. cumin
1 pinch of fresh cilantro
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper
1/2 Tbsp. Ancho Chile Powder

In a heavy, cast-iron skillet, brown the meat and onion in the 
oil.  Add the garlic and cook until the flavor is released 
(about 1 minute). Add the remaining ingredients to the skillet. 
Cover and simmer for 2 hours. The resulting thick chili can be 
served with tortillas and savored as a cure for the infirmed 
and a balm for the soul!

So chose sides! War may be !@#$%, but whatever side you chose 
in this battle, you will come out a winner! And to the victor 
go the spoils - pots full of heavenly smells and glorious 
flavor sopped up with warm tortillas!