Venison Chili from Twin Peaks features tender ground venison, smoky chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes, and black beans simmered together with aromatic spices, delivering a hearty and flavorful dish with a rich, deep-red stew appearance.
Equipments
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900g) ground venison
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large yellow onion
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 (28 oz / 800g) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz / 425g) can black beans
- 1 (15 oz / 425g) can kidney beans
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt
- Black pepper
Using ground venison as the primary protein offers a leaner, gamey flavor compared to traditional beef chili. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add a smoky, slightly spicy depth that complements the earthy spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Be sure to drain and rinse canned black beans and kidney beans to reduce excess sodium and improve texture. The combination of diced tomatoes and tomato paste creates a rich, thick base that enhances the stew's deep-red appearance. Your Venison Chili from Twin Peaks copycat menu will capture the authentic, bold flavors of the original dish with these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped onions and sauté until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper; cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add ground venison and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper.
- Cook spices with meat and vegetables for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add diced tomatoes (with juice), drained black beans, drained kidney beans, beef broth, and tomato paste.
- Stir well to combine.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve hot.
Substitution
Venison Chili from Twin Peaks copycat menu centers on ground venison combined with smoky chipotle peppers, diced tomatoes, and hearty black beans for a deep, flavorful stew. If ground venison is unavailable, you can substitute with ground beef or turkey without losing the rich texture. When chipotle peppers in adobo sauce are hard to find, consider using smoked paprika and a splash of hot sauce for a similar smoky heat. Using dried beans instead of canned requires soaking and longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly to maintain the desired consistency. Your slow cooker or Dutch oven allows for flexible cooking methods that deepen flavors over time.
Tips
Ground venison cooks quickly and can become dry if overcooked, so brown it just until no pink remains. Rinse and drain canned beans thoroughly to reduce excess sodium and prevent the chili from becoming too watery. Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce add smoky heat, so adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance. Simmering the chili uncovered allows flavors to concentrate and the stew to thicken to your desired consistency.
Nutritions
Venison Chili is a nutrient-dense meal rich in high-quality protein from ground venison, supporting muscle health and satiety. The inclusion of black and kidney beans adds dietary fiber and essential minerals like iron and magnesium, which contribute to digestive health and energy metabolism. Chipotle peppers and spices provide antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that enhance immune function. This wholesome dish offers a balanced combination of vitamins, minerals, and protein to fuel your body and keep you satisfied.
Storage
Store your Venison Chili in an airtight container to maintain its rich flavors and prevent moisture loss. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months to enjoy later without compromising texture or taste. When reheating, thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator and warm it gently on the stove to preserve the tender venison and smoky chipotle flavors.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground venison with ground bison or lean ground beef for a slightly different flavor profile while maintaining the chili's richness. If chipotle peppers in adobo are too spicy, try using smoked paprika alone or a milder chili powder to control the heat level. For a thicker chili, replace half of the beef broth with unsweetened dark beer or reduce the broth during simmering to concentrate flavors. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a teaspoon of cocoa powder near the end of cooking can enhance the chili's depth and complexity.
Allergies
Venison Chili may pose allergy risks due to ingredients like black beans and kidney beans, which are common allergens for some individuals sensitive to legumes. The use of chipotle peppers and various spices such as chili powder and cumin could also trigger reactions in those with spice or nightshade allergies. You should carefully check each ingredient and consult your allergen sensitivity to avoid potential adverse effects from this flavorful dish.
Why this recipe?
Venison Chili from Twin Peaks restaurant stands out for its rich, gamey flavor and hearty texture, offering a unique twist on traditional chili. The dish combines premium venison meat with bold spices and fresh ingredients, creating a balanced and savory experience that appeals to adventurous eaters. You'll enjoy the complexity and depth that venison brings, making it a satisfying meal perfect for cooler weather or a comforting dinner. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate this distinctive taste at home, customizing spice levels and ingredient freshness to suit your preferences.