The best dish at this year’s Amazing Pepper Festival, as voted on by our team of discriminating judges, was the chili created by Angelina and John of Pittsboro’s famous Greek restaurant, Angelina’s Kitchen. There were actually two chilis – one beef and one bean, to please the vegans and the omnivores alike. And please us they did.

I can personally attest to the caliber of these scrumptious chilis, which draw their flavor from both their fresh, local ingredients, and from the chefs’ masterful use of spices. That’s how it goes with everything this couple puts on the menu at Angelina’s. They don’t skimp on quality ingredients, and the food they serve is always fresh, flavorful, hearty and satisfying.

As winter has begun to show its face around here these last few weeks, I found myself wanting this chili more and more. So after a lot of begging on my part, Angelina and John finally agreed to share her top secret recipes with you, our lucky readers. If you tried these chilis at PepperFest, you’ll know what a score this is.

So hit up the farmer’s market or food co-op and then snuggle in with a pot and a wooden spoon, and in no time you’ll be reveling in spicy perfection, Angelina’s style.

The meat chili recipe:

(See the vegan bean chili recipe here)