Nana’s Kitchen: Frito Chili “Pie”

Nana’s Kitchen: Frito Chili “Pie”

Greetings, home cooks, welcome to Nana’s Kitchen,

It has come to my attention that the Super Bowl is coming down the road. A televised extravaganza of football. Just to be honest I do not watch pro football and do not view the bowl game. I do like college football. That being said, for those in the family that will be viewing the festivities, some snacks will be necessary. Over the next few Sundays I will share some dishes that the viewers might enjoy. Just an FYI the Super Bowl is scheduled in Inglewood, California on February 13th, a Sunday. 

The star of this recipe is Fritos Corn Chips. The salty, corn chip that never fails to please. I really like these. Frito means “fried” in Spanish.

The Fritos Corn Chip has been around since 1932 when Charles Doolin and his family began producing the snack food. The Doolin family owned a confectionary in San Antonio, Texas in the depression. Wanting to add a salty snack to the repertoire, Charles bought a small business from Gustavo Olguin. Included in this sale was a recipe for fried corn chips. Charles and his family began to make the chip in his mothers kitchen. In 1932 the family began selling the Fritos under the name Frito Corporation. In 1961 the Frito Company merged with H.W. Lay and Company to formed Frito-Lay.

Frito Chili Pie (kind of like a pie)

Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion diced
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 14 ounce can kidney beans, light or dark, undrained
1 6 ounce can tomato paste
1 10 ounce can Rotel with diced tomatoes and green chilies
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 9.25 ounce bag Frito Corn Chips
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese or more as you like

Brown hamburger and onions in skillet or pan. Add in garlic.
Drain off excess fat.
Add kidney beans, tomato paste, salt, sugar, cumin, chili powder, and Rotel.
Stir to combine.
Lower temperature and simmer uncovered for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Place Fritos in a serving dish or make individual bowls. 
Top with chili. Serve with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.
Enjoy!

Hints:
This is an easy snack/meal. The chili is thick and easy to dip. Good flavor.
Other toppers include jalapeño peppers, diced red onion, sliced green onions, refried beans, or anything else you prefer. Your choice.
You could place the corn chips and chili in a casserole dish add the cheese and place under the broiler for just a few minutes to melt the cheese. Watch carefully.
Using a small individual bag of Fritos this recipe is known as ‘Taco in a bag’ at the local ball games. Some shredded lettuce is added.
I used the Fritos Scoops because each scoop holds a nice bite of the chili and other ingredients.

Have a blessed Sunday.
Apparently it is going to snow a bit. Be safe out there.