Italian Style Chili

Antonio Mancini, with few personal possessions and a will to work, left Italy and came to America in 1904. 

Antonio married Margherita, in 1910… a girl he'd met from his home town in Italy. The couple settled in New Britain, Connecticut and started a small Italian grocery, which grew to a chain of 3 stores. They also started a macaroni factory on the second floor of one of the stores. Antonio enjoyed roasting and eating sweet roasted red bell peppers, an Italian delicacy he remembered from his childhood. He began experimenting with a process to produce them commercially. His Mancini Sweet Roasted Peppers, "Pepperoni Dolce Arrostiti", were popular with his neighbors. Demand developed until it became necessary to concentrate on the peppers and leave the macaroni business behind. A small cannery was established in nearby Southington, Connecticut for the roasting of peppers. The business grew and so did the family and eventually all eight of them were working in the family business; Antonio, Margarita, their five sons and one daughter. In 1922, The Mancini Packing Company was born.

In 1940 Joseph, their son went to Florida in search of a site for a new factory, where the growing season was longer. He found that site in Zolfo Springs, where it is today. The rest of the family remained in Connecticut. Soon after the small factory in Florida was established, America became embroiled in World War II. Antonio, a true patriot in his country, sent all 5 sons to war. Margherita remained in Connecticut to manage the stores and Antonio and his daughter Lillian went to Florida to run the factory. Because of the demands of war, metal for tin cans became scarce so glass jars were used. At the conclusion of World War II all five sons returned, Antonio and Lillian came back to Connecticut and Frank and Joe went down to Florida and managed the factory together for fifty years. Frank Mancini, although now retired after over 60 years in the business, remains active as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Richard, Antonio's grandson, serves as the current President and CEO.

Research Source: Mancini Foods

This easy chili with Italian sausage will satisfy the folks at your dinner table.

Italian Style Chili

Copyrighted 2013, Christine’s Pantry. All rights reserved.

Ingredients:

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

2 pounds ground Italian sausage

1 onion, chopped                                                              

1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce

1 (12 oz.) jar sweet roasted peppers, chopped

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon minced garlic

salt and pepper to taste

1 cup beef broth

1 (15.5 oz.) can light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15.5 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed

shredded mozzarella cheese, for garnish

Directions:

Heat oil in large pot over medium heat, add ground Italian sausage, and cook until no longer pink. Add onions, salt and pepper, cook 3 to 4 minutes, until onions tender, stirring frequently. Add remaining ingredients, except cheese.

Bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium low heat; cook about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning, if desired. Just before serving, garnish with mozzarella cheese. Enjoy!