Zippy’s Chili Recipe: A Taste of the Islands

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Zippy’s Chili Recipe: Zippy’s Chili is a legendary dish in Hawaii, a savory symphony of meat, vegetables, spices, and a secret ingredient that keeps generations coming back for more. This hearty chili embodies the vibrant spirit of the islands, offering a warm hug in a bowl. So, grab your spoon and get ready to experience a taste of paradise with this full Zippy’s Chili Recipe!

Zippy's Chili Recipe

Ingredients for Zippy’s Chili Recipe:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 5 oz mild Portuguese sausage, finely chopped
  • 3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 medium stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp oregano
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 6-oz can tomato paste
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15.5 oz) kidney beans, undrained
  • 1 can (15.5 oz) pinto beans, drained
  • 1 14-oz can chicken broth
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise

Instructions for Zippy’s Chili Recipe:

Start with the sausage: Pulse the Portuguese sausage in a food processor until finely chopped. (Alternatively, finely chop it by hand.)

Fry the bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, fry the diced bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Brown the meats: Drain most of the bacon fat, leaving a little for flavor. Add the ground beef and Portuguese sausage and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.

Sauté the vegetables: Add the onion, celery, and bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened and slightly translucent, about 5 minutes.

Spice it up: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic. Cook for another minute, allowing the spices to release their fragrance.

Build the base: Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chicken broth, and bay leaves. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

The secret touch: Stir in the mayonnaise and simmer for another 5 minutes. This secret ingredient adds a unique tang and creaminess that sets Zippy’s Chili apart.

Season and adjust: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the consistency with additional chicken broth if desired.

Finish and serve: Garnish with the reserved bacon crumbles and chopped fresh cilantro (optional). Serve hot with white rice for a satisfying meal.

Zippy's Chili Recipe

Tips for Zippy’s Chili Recipe:

  • Customize the heat: Want your chili a little spicier? Use hot Portuguese sausage or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • Make it your own: Feel free to adjust the vegetables or use different beans according to your preference.
  • Leftovers are delicious: This chili tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.

Zippy’s Chili Recipe FAQs:

What makes Zippy’s Chili Recipe so special?

It’s a combination of factors: the unique blend of savory spices, the secret ingredient of mayonnaise (don’t knock it till you try it!), and the overall hearty and comforting taste that evokes island vibes.

Can I make this chili without the Portuguese sausage?

Yes, you can substitute ground pork or Italian sausage, or even skip it altogether and rely on the ground beef for meaty flavor.

What other beans can I use?

Feel free to experiment! Black beans, cannellini beans, or even a mix of different beans can be used instead of the kidney and pinto beans. Adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger beans.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply replace the ground beef and sausage with crumbled tofu or lentils. You may need to adjust the salt and seasonings slightly to compensate for the missing meaty flavor.

How long does this chili keep?

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What side dishes pair well with Zippy’s Chili Recipe?

White rice is the classic choice, but you can also try Hawaiian mac salad, crusty bread, or a green salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?

Yes! Brown the meats and sauté the vegetables as instructed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours.

Where can I get the real Zippy’s Chili Recipe experience?

Visit a Zippy’s restaurant in Hawaii or Las Vegas! Don’t forget to sign up for their Zipster Rewards program to claim your free regular Chili with Rice after your first purchase.

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