What is the obsession with chilli?

[ClaraThePigeon]

Every time someone asks what to serve at a party on MN, people always suggest chilli. They always have to specify a big pot of it too as though if they didn't the host would give everyone a teaspoon of it each.

Do people really like chili that much? It's ok. I enjoy it a couple of times a year but that's it. It isn't something that I'd want at a party and it's rather messy not to mention trying to satisfy everyone's heat level preferences.

Not sure what's sensitive about people just writing things in capital letters and then saying I'm supposed to recognise that it's hilarious.

There's some quite nasty snobbery on this thread - and some really unfunny 'jokes'.

Off to make a chilli, cut some crusty bread and put some wanky things on crackers - cover all bases.

I had this precise rant in the Food topic on the weekend and was told it was because I was a shit cook. So maybe that's the issue (I'm not, and I stand by my 'chilli is shit' stance.)

If you've got a range of ages and dietary requirements, chilli is an easy one to make in large quantities and ensure it's gluten free, vegan/kosher/halal friendly as necessary, with add ons on a side table for people to customise. It's an easy food to eat standing up with a bowl and a spoon.

It can be prepared in advance so hosts don't need to miss most of party to serve it.

When the focus of the party isn't the food - maybe games or fireworks or music - having something filling and easy is takes the stress out of the event.

If food were a significant part of the event, obviously chilli wouldn't be first choice, but it's great in some circumstances, especially if you're going outside to watcvh a bonfire and need something warming.

No it's You who doesn't understand!! It's the way it's described rather than the actual food on offer. That's what is being laughed at!

So why was the OP talking about it being too spicy and messy and not everyone liking it?

Mine is blue cheese along with mature cheddar and mozzarella, then strips of bacon and tomatoes on top.
Serve with green veg and Frank's hot sauce.

It's not usually recommended here for a dinner party, more for a hot buffet, feeding a group of people without wanting to make anything fancy.

Well the question presumably won't have been 'what can i serve that will be extra impressive for a party? I'm an experienced cook and want to knock my guests' socks off?'

It will probably have been more like 'help! I have 40 coming for bonfire night/ a house party and have never cooked for so many. Where on earth do I start?'.

There are plenty of threads started by inexperienced hosts/ cooks who may have never made or particularly thought of chilli. Also some may like the reassurance that something simple and tasty will be appreciated. I'm sure none of the posters are planning the Met Ball.

I think the 'big pot' sounds welcoming and homely, for what it's worth! Keep it in if anyone recommends chilli in future!

Yes it's yum! And so easy. Also it isn't time sensitive - you don't have to serve it as soon as it's cooked. Plus you can make it vegetarian. You can serve it with rice, baked potato or even pasta. And it's a crowd pleaser. And not expensive.

Who in the name of fuck eats chilli with 'crusty' bread? Rice, tortillas or even a massive salad, OK, but really? At least it's not plastic sliced bread I suppose...

I loathe chilli, kidney beans are disgusting.

Chilli, nachos, cheese, soured cream and guacamole 🤤

I know! I mean I am making chilli tonight and I quite like it, but I'd be disappointed to be served it at someone's house or a party. I have been served a vegetarian one a couple of times which was even worse! Surely it's just an easy cheap midweek meal unless it has a lot of exciting sides.

I like a chilli and cook a pretty decent one but if you’re talking parties, I want a nice egg sandwich (cut into a triangle) on wholemeal, or tuna on white, ham ditto. The only food you need at a party, 30 people or not.

Dinner party - no

Party - as something to soak up the alcohol - yes

I put chorizo in mine! Abso-bloody-lutely lovely.

Don't think it's 'party' party food, normally large gatherings fed loads of people types

I would happily eat some slices (a loaf) of crusty bread with pretty much anything.

I had a vegetarian chilli in a Wetherspoons recently that was surprisingly pleasant - I don't normally like Wetherspoon's food.

I hate chilli and never cook it. DH does as he takes a meal to work with him instead of sandwiches. I don't even like the smell when he cooks it.

But was it served with 'crusty' bread??

What would people serve instead of chili?

So far we have only had:
vol-au-vents (beige shit)
Mac and cheese (OK but not so good for allergies)
Little twee triangle sandwiches

For everyone deriding chilli, what (low effort food) would you feed 30 hungry people in an informal setting?

@ClaraThePigeon What would you feed people, what would you like people to feed you?

No, a jacket potato😃

I'd choose chilli every time over macaroni cheese.

I bought some braising steak on the way home to make chilli for dinner tomorrow thanks to this thread. Will be a small pot though, just four of us.

How thrillingly original and hilarious.

me too