Oh pish-tush! It is true that traditional Texas chili con carne contains neither beans nor tomatoes, but many other regional chilis do and they are every bit as "real."
The "No Beans or Tomatoes in Chili" Myth
You hear this claim on a regular basis, often from Texans. But it is a bit of hubris, really! The fact is that many delicious traditional (and non-traditional) chilis are made with beans and/or tomatoes. There is no single “real” or "authentic" chili—there are regional styles. The only absolute "must" for chili is ... you guessed it, chili peppers!
Source of the Myth
There is in fact some basis for this myth. Traditional Texas-style chili (a "bowl of red") is made with meat—beef specifically—but without beans or tomatoes, and it can be great, but that's just one regional variant of chili. In fact, when you look at the world of chili across the country, versions with beans and/or tomatoes are definitely in the majority.
Some Other "Beany" Posts for You!
Like refried beans? Guess what the name means!
Lime beans, butter beans—what's the difference?
