Feeling chilli?

Posted: 5 February 2010

Chilli has long been a firm favourite in the UK, but did you know that it was invented in Mexico way back in the 1840s? It was seen as the food of forgiveness and reconciliation – created as a complimentary dish to serve at Mexican cantinas, especially to please outsiders who were after something spicy to eat. Made using leftovers from the meals prepared in the cantina, Chilli was served for free to drinking customers.

Texas was quick to adopt Chilli as its own and during the 1880s, brightly dressed Hispanic women known as 'Chilli Queens' began to appear around the Military Plaza in downtown San Antonio. They arrived at dusk and built a charcoal or wood fire to reheat cauldrons of pre-cooked chilli which they sold by the bowl to passers by. Mariachi musicians often joined in to serenade the eaters and some Chilli Queens even built semi-permanent stalls in the local Mexican market. However, health and safety regulations kicked in back in 1937, requiring the Chilli Queens to adhere to the same standards as indoor restaurants, which saw the Queens and their 'Street Chilli' culture disappear practically overnight.

In the 1970s, San Antonio's Mercado (market) was renovated and local merchants staged historic re-enactments of the Chilli Queens' heydey. The 'Return of the Chilli Queens Festival' is now part of San Antonio's annual Memorial Day.

Chilli today

Chilli is one of the most versatile Mexican foods. Make it as mild or spicy as you like, and then enjoy it with a jacket potato, taco trays, nachos, rice, or simply on its own in a bowl with some soured cream on top.

Discovery's Chilli Con Carne Seasoning Mix is a special blend of chilli, paprika, cumin and organo - perfect for adding to minced beef as a base for chilli con carne. Alternatively, just reach for a jar of Discovery Hot Chilli Season & Sauce – you don't have to use all the seasoning if you prefer things a bit milder – and all you need is some mince plus a bit of water to make a truly authentic and delicious chilli con carne. And the finishing touch? A generous dollop of Discovery Soured Cream Topping.