XPost: rec.music.filk   
   From: commodorejohn@gmail.com   
      
   On Thu, 21 Aug 2025 11:04:06 -0500   
   Jay Morris  wrote:   
      
   > San Antonio is widely considered the birthplace of chili con carne,   
   > with strong ties to the city's Canary Islander population and the   
   > "Chili Queens" who sold it in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.   
   > While the exact origins are debated, the influence of Canary   
   > Islanders who settled in San Antonio in 1731, bringing with them   
   > spices and cooking techniques from their homeland, is a key part of   
   > the story.   
   >   
   > Here's a more detailed breakdown:   
   > 1. Canary Islander Influence:   
   >   
   >      In 1731, families from the Canary Islands were recruited to   
   > settle in San Antonio, forming a community that became influential in   
   > the city's business and political landscape.   
   >   
   > They brought with them culinary traditions, including the use of   
   > cumin and a style of stewing meat with chili peppers, garlic, and   
   > wild onions, which closely resembles Moroccan Berber cooking.   
   > This distinctive blend of spices and ingredients is believed to be a   
   > foundational element of early chili recipes.   
   >   
   > 2. The Chili Queens:   
   >   
   >      In the late 1800s and early 1900s, "Chili Queens" became a   
   > popular fixture in San Antonio, particularly in Military Plaza.   
   >   
   > These women, mostly of Mexican descent, sold chili con carne from   
   > outdoor stalls, attracting locals and travelers with their engaging   
   > personalities and flavorful dishes.   
   > Their chili was typically all beef, with no beans, and was often   
   > served with tamales and enchiladas, becoming a defining part of San   
   > Antonio's Tex-Mex culinary identity.   
      
   Had never heard about this before. Fascinating!   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)