My first wife's mother was southern, and she put diced up potatoes in her chili and I loved it so much, I still do it today. You don't need a lot, and you don't necessarily even have to eat them, but the supposed reason for the potatoes is to soak up some of the grease from the meat and to reduce gas after consumption. I think the gas part is just an old wives tale, but greasy potatoes in my chili are GOOD! I usually quarter peeled red potatoes. I like them bigger so that it's easier to test for doneness. She was the first person to show me peanut butter on pancakes with syrup, and I still love her very much for showing me this. My ex wife? Not so much! She even converted to a Cardinal fan while her parents were Cub fans. I hated divorcing them.