Chile or chili is a spicy stew that is generally made of ground beef, chili powder, tomatoes, salt, pepper and paprika, and has become an iconic dish in America that features in cookbooks, cook-offs and in fast food restaurants. Though chili has been known to the Americans from the later 1800’s, it is believed to have its roots in Spanish cuisine. Chili is not Mexican. The ingredients that go into making chili differ throughout the different regions in the US and every individual usually has his/her favorite recipe. In the regions in and around Texas the chili has a very fiery flavor and no beans in it and in some regions the chili is not so hot and does have beans or even herbs in it to flavor it.