Chef Lazzarini’s Winning Chili Recipe

In the end, Lazzarini’s Puerto Rican-inspired chili won over the judge panel. His highly flavorful and creative recipe is below.

Makes 8-10 portions

• 1 can (12 oz.) spam, cubed
• 2 lbs of ground turkey
• 2 medium onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (or prechopped garlic)
• 1 green bell peppers, small dice
• 1 can (15 oz.) stewed tomatoes
• 1 can of potatoes (drained)
• 2 Packets – chili powder
• 4 Tbs of sofrito
• 1 bunch cilantro – fine chopped
• 6 oz sour cream
• 1 lime – zested and juiced
• 2 Tbsp. of Adobo
• Dash of black pepper and salt to taste
• 2 cups of rice
• 1 can of corn – drained
• 1 can black beans – drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can pineapple – diced save liquid
• 1 8 oz chicken stock
• 5 Tbs of vegetable oil
• 3 cups water

CHILI

1. Over medium high heat- Add 1 Tbs. of vegetable oil to pan – fry spam until light brown on all sides.
2. Remove spam – leave fat from cooking in pan
3. Add 1 ½ onion, peppers, sofrito and stems of cilantro (small chopped) – sauté until soft
4. Reduce heat to medium heat – Add ground turkey, break into small pieces as it cooks
5. Stir in stewed tomatoes including liquid, chili mix, potatoes, chicken stock and black pepper and salt
6. Cover and cook for about 25 minutes on medium to medium low heat.

 

RICE

1. Over medium heat – Add 3 Tbs of oil in pan
2. Add rice – coat rice – add 1 Tbs salt
3. Add Garlic – chopped
4. Add 3 cups of water
5. Bring to boil
6. Cover with lid – reduce heat to low – DO NOT REMOVE LID
7. When no liquid is visible rice is done – remove lid

 

SALSA

1. Drain and rise black bean – Add to bowl
2. Add Corn with liquid
3. Add diced pineapple with liquid
4. Add 2 Tbs of Adobo
5. ½ onion – small dice
6. Add Salt and pepper to taste
7. Add 3 Tbs of diced cilantro tops

 

CREMA

1. Add zest from lime
2. Add juice from Lime
3. Salt to taste
4. Mix

 

PLATING

Rice on the bottom, add  chili, top chili with salsa, crema and remainder of the cilantro for garnish.