Some Milwaukee things come and go, while some become icons. Mandatory Milwaukee is all about the latter. This week: Chili.
In addition to being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Book Month, LGBTQ+ History Month, and National Cyber Security Awareness Month, October also has the distinct honor of being National Chili Month. Yes, as the first full month of autumn and a time of year when the days are short, the temperatures drop, and people tend to retreat indoors, it makes perfect sense that October is the 31-day period that’s selected to bring attention to this cozy dish. However, we treat almost every month like it’s National Chili Month here in Wisconsin (and throughout much of the Midwest).
Chili rules. Though it’s often overshadowed by other, flashier soup-adjacent offerings, chili has remained a quiet contributor that many households call upon for a variety of reasons. When money is tight, a batch of chili can be thrown together from items you likely already have in your pantry or can get from the store for a few bucks. Entertaining a large group of people? Chili is always a crowd pleaser. It’s easily customizable with optional additions like cheese, sour cream, oyster crackers, fresh jalapenos, and (controversial take) noodles to fit a variety of preferences.
While many people incorporate ground beef or turkey into their chili recipes, it’s also great in its vegetarian or vegan variants. Or you can get exotic and whip up some white chicken chili like you see above. Chili is remarkably easy to make: just dump your canned components, some diced veggies, another protein (if applicable), spices, and some water and/or beer into a pot or slow cooker and let it cook for a few hours—making sure to stir occasionally. Chili is one of the few dishes that tastes just as good (if not arguably even better) as leftovers.
Though chili is synonymous with home cooking, it’s also something you can procure on the cheap in a wide range of formats at restaurants, be it at a diner or an iconic Milwaukee eatery that specializes in its distinct version of chili.
While you’re there, get a chili dog!
With its low cost, its versatility, and being something almost anybody can enjoy, it’s so surprise chili is the food chosen for cook offs and charity events, including WMSE’s wildly popular Rockabilly Chili event that takes place every spring.
Whether you’re specifically celebrating National Chili Month or just living a typical Midwestern life and partaking a timeless dish that’s been in your household’s rotation for eons, do yourself a favor and enjoy some chili this October and beyond. It’s mandatory.
