Favorite Chili recipe (or other make-ahead recipe for a guest)?

lporter229

My cousin is dropping by on his way through town tomorrow for lunch. I have a commitment all morning, so I am looking for something that I can make ahead this evening that will heat up quick and easy. I am thinking of making a pot of chili and some spoon bread, but I would like to make something a little more "memorable" because I don't see him that often (he lives in Germany). Does anyone have any suggestions? I will have zero time in the morning, so it has to be something I can prepare this evening that will re-heat well and also has to be gluten free or easy to make gluten free. Thanks in advance!

acpgee

Braised chicken reheats well. Here’s my recipe for cola chicken which tastes like chicken teriyaki but is easier. Serve with rice and a cucumber salad. If you dress the salad beforehand, drain off the liquid prior to serving (the dressing will draw out water) and toss with some fresh dressing. Rice can be made the night before and warmed up in the microwave.

Brown chicken thighs and drumsticks in a wok or sautée pan. If the chicken is skin on you won’t need oil, but if skinless add a little vegetable oil. Toss in a few cloves of chopped garlic. As the garlic starts to colour toss in a small can of regular (not diet) coke. Add several large glugs of soy and simmer uncovered for 25 minutes turning occasionally. Turn off the heat and taste the sauce. Adjust seasoning with more soy or a little sugar to get the sweet/salt balance to your liking. Add a squeeze of lemon if you like a little tartness. When cool refrigerate.

When you want to serve boil vigorously without a lid for 5-10 minutes so that the sauce thickens into a syrupy caramelised mass. You need full fat cola for the caramelisation process.

Deanner03

I tend to throw chili together but it goes something like this:
Put a little olive oil in a pan
Sautee some peppers and onions (about 1 pepper, and 1.5 onions, and minced jalapeno to taste)
Once they're a bit soft, I add a clove of minced garlic
A minute or two later, I add a pound and a half of ground turkey, salt and pepper.
Once that's cooked, I add 1/4 cup of chili powder, some onion/garlic powder, and a bit of cumin.
Once that's nice and fragrant, I dump it into a crockpot.
I add a few cans of diced tomatoes with juice, two cans of kidney beans (juice drained), a tsp of cocoa powder, and a bit of brown sugar (to taste).

I've been known to toss in salsa (if I have some that needs to get used), a dash of sriracha (if someone likes it hot), and I've used canned fire roasted tomatoes and/or rotel depending on what's in the house.

I then cook on low for 5-6 hours.

acpgee

If coq au vin, chicken cacciatore, or beef estouffade are in your usual repertoire they might feel like more of a special occasion meal than chilli. All warm up well and are actually better on the second day. Serve with rice and a simple salad.

trisH_7183

Beef stew is better the 2nd day .Serve with salad & warm bread. Do what is comfortable for you.Enjoy the visit.