Oktoberfest Chili + Paulaner Oktoberfest
With the weather finally starting to cool down, this week we thought we’d offer you something a little heartier for your tailgating enjoyment – Oktoberfest Chili. More than just beans and beef, this German twist on a classic dish adds bratwurst, sauerkraut and German beer to the traditional lineup of chili beans, peppers and spices.
Another key component of this recipe is a bottle of German-style beer, and for this, we recommend using Paulaner Oktoberfest Märzen (5.8%abv). If you want an authentic Oktoberfest brew, this is the way to go. The brew offers a clear amber color and malty taste with hints of toffee and a zesty bitterness indicative of German-style beers. Plus, Paulaner Oktoberfest receives high marks in drinkability, making the smooth brew the perfect for game day.
Ready to get started? Check out the step by step instructions below.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 pounds fresh bratwurst links, cut into 1-inch slices
- 2 tablespoons bacon drippings, divided
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 jalapeno peppers, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups sauerkraut, drained
- 2 (15 ounce) cans red beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15 ounce) cans petite diced tomatoes
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
- 2 (12 fluid ounce) cans tomato juice
- 1 (11.2 fluid ounce) can or bottle Paulaner Oktoberfest
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 3 tablespoons white sugar
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 1/2 ounces milk chocolate candy
Directions
- Place the bratwurst into a large skillet with 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings over medium heat; cook and stir the bratwurst until the pieces are browned and no longer pink inside, about 15 minutes. Drain excess grease.
- Place remaining 1 tablespoon of bacon drippings in a large, deep pot over medium heat, and cook and stir the onion, green and jalapeno peppers, and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 8 minutes. Place the bratwurst into the pot with the vegetables, and stir in the sauerkraut, red beans, petite diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato juice, beer, salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, allspice, and oregano.
- Bring the chili to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, and stir in the milk chocolate until melted and dissolved. Simmer for 5 hours, stirring occasionally.
This delicious recipe serves 14, so be sure to grab a few extra cases of the Paulaner and invite some friends over to enjoy the amazing weather and of course, the food.
Also, don’t forget that next weekend is the official Oktoberfest celebration in Galveston. Head down to First Lutheran Church for a day of lively entertainment, great German-style food and yummy libations!
Until next week… Cheers!
