Hawaiian Style Chili

Zippy's Chili is a Hawaiian favorite. I've even seen it sold here in Seattle in the freezer at Uwajimaya. Of course, I've had it in Hawaii but I've never bought the frozen version because I learned how to make a copycat version from my Hawaiian friends. For those of you who have never had Zippy's Chili, it is very mild and has an unusual creamy texture. There are many theories a to what makes it creamy, but the consensus amongst the people I know who live in Hawaii is that you add a bit of mayonnaise at the end. I know that sounds weird, but it works perfectly and creates the perfect texture. This Chili incorporates little pieces of Portuguese Sausage too and requires a relatively small amount of Tomato Sauce so it's somewhat thick. I used Kidney Beans in keeping with the color of the Chili although Pinto Beans or both would be good as well. This Chili is very easy to make and is meant to be eaten over Rice. This is a really delicious Chili and I encourage you to make it!

Hawaiian Style Chili

1 pound ground Beef

1 Red or Green Bell Pepper, destemmed and cut into small pieces

1 small Onion, minced

1 16 oz can Tomato Sauce

1 - 2 teaspoons Chili Powder

1 teaspoon Oregano

1 teaspoon ground Cumin

1/2 teaspoon Salt

1  Tablespoon Brown Sugar

1 Beef or Chicken Bouillon Cube, crushed

Dash of Worcestershire Sauce

1 16 oz can Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed

1/4 cup Water, if needed

2 - 3 heaping Tablespoons Mayonnaise, depending on how creamy you want it

Optional: 1 cup Portuguese Sausage, cut into cubes. Add in with the Tomato Sauce 

Cook the ground Beef, Onion and Red Pepper in a large frying pan until the Beef is no longer pink. Spoon out extra fat. Add in the Tomato Sauce and spices , Bouillon Cube and Wocestershire Sauce and stir to combine. Then add in the Kidney Beans. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.  Cook for 30 minutes and add more Water if too thick. Then stir in the Mayonnaise and serve. over Rice.

Five Element Analysis

Tomato Sauce, the Red Pepper and Chili Powder all belong to the Fire Element. The Beef contributes the Earth Element and so does the Brown Sugar. The Metal Element is represented by the Onion, The Mayonnaise, the Spices and the Rice. The Water Element is found in the Kidney Beans, the Portuguese Sausage and the Worcestershire Sauce. Only the Wood Element is missing so be sure to serve this Chili with some green vegetables to create a Five Element balance.