Chipotle Javelina Chili
Javelina Recipe
1Setup & Prepare
About This Recipe
Texas-style chili with chunks of javelina, chipotle peppers, and bold spices—hearty, smoky one-pot meal.
Cultural Context
(135 words) Texas chili—the official state dish—represents Southwestern cooking at its most debated and beloved. Texans argue endlessly about beans (no beans!), tomatoes (maybe!), and meat choices (beef!). Javelina chili represents wild game adaptation of this iconic dish, popular at hunting camps and cookoffs throughout South Texas. The lean meat requires slightly different technique than fatty beef, but produces excellent results when properly handled. Chipotles add smoky heat characteristic of modern Texas chili evolution. This dish has become signature preparation for javelina, appearing at wild game dinners and tailgate parties across the Southwest. It represents successful fusion of traditional Texas cooking with sustainable game harvesting. Bowl of javelina chili, served with cornbread and cold beer, converts skeptics and proves wild game deserves place in Texas culinary canon.
2Ingredients
Shopping List
3Cooking Instructions
- Season javelina cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat oil in large Dutch oven over high heat.
- Brown meat in batches, developing deep crust. Don't crowd pan. Remove to plate.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add onion and cook until softened, 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, chipotles, adobo sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Return meat to pot. Add tomatoes and beef stock. Bring to boil.
- Reduce to bare simmer, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until meat is very tender.
- Mix masa harina with ÂĽ cup water to form paste. Stir into chili and simmer 15 minutes until thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional chipotles for heat.
- Serve in bowls with shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, jalapeños, and cornbread.
4Chef's Notes & Pairings
Chef's Notes
- Cutting meat into cubes rather than grinding creates authentic Texas chili texture.
- Long simmering is essential for tender meat from lean javelina.
- Masa harina thickens while adding authentic Mexican flavor—don't substitute cornstarch.
- Chipotles provide smoky heat; adjust quantity to taste.
- Chili is better the next day—plan accordingly.
Wine Pairing
Texas Amber Lager or Zinfandel – Cold Texas beer is traditional, or try jammy Zinfandel for wine option.
Nutrition Facts
(per serving) Calories: 425 | Protein: 46g | Fat: 18g | Carbohydrates: 18g | Iron: 6.2mg
