Authentic Texas Chili
Directions
- 1Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles.
- 2Add the seeded chiles to a large cast-iron or carbon steel pan and cook them over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, pressing down on each chile for a few seconds at a time using a spoon or spatula.
- 3Cover the chiles completely in water and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes or until softened.
- 4In the meantime, add the bacon to a large Dutch oven, put over medium heat, and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
- 5Turn the heat down to low and cook for 7 to 8 minutes or until crispy brown.
- 6Set the bacon to the side.
- 7Toss the cubed beef with 4 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper and combine.
- 8Cook the beef in two batches using the rendered bacon fat on high heat.
- 9Let stand for 3 to 4 minutes before turning the meat and cooking for an additional 3 to 4 minutes.
- 10Set the beef to the side and repeat the process with the remaining beef.
- 11Add the onions to the pot, gently season with salt, and sauté over medium heat.
- 12Turn the heat down to low and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 13In the meantime, drain the chiles, rinse them, and add them to a blender with the chipotles and 2 cups of beef stock.
- 14Blend on high until smooth and set it aside.
- 15Mix the garlic into the onions and cook until fragrant, which takes 30 to 45 seconds.
- 16Next, add the tomato paste and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes or until it becomes a rusty color.
- 17At this stage, add ¼ of the chile mixture and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to intensify the flavor more.
- 18Now, add the cooked beef, coffee, half of the bacon, tomato puree, beer, 2 cups of beef stock, and remaining chile sauce.
- 19Add the cumin, cinnamon, coriander, allspice berries, and cloves to a medium-sized pan and heat over medium heat while constantly stirring until it becomes very aromatic.
- 20Transfer the mixture to a spice grinder and grind until it becomes like a powder.
- 21Pulse in the oregano just until combined.
- 22Season the chili with salt and stir in the spices and herbs, to the chili and bring to a boil over high heat.
- 23Then cover and turn the heat down to low, and cook for 2 to 3 hours.
- 24After 1 hour, come back and taste and adjust any seasonings.
- 25Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce and concentrate the liquid and flavors.
- 26At this point, take out about 1 to 1½ cups of the liquid and add it to a bowl.
- 27Whisk it with the masa harina until it becomes thick.
- 28Add the mixture back to the chili and finish it with vinegar and chocolate.
- 29Mix to combine.
- 30Serve the chili with your favorite desired toppings and remaining bacon lardons.
Ingredients
- 6 dried ancho chiles
- 3 dried guajillo chiles
- 1 dried Chile de arbol
- 6 slices thick cut bacon
- 5 pounds chuck roast
- 2 peeled small-diced yellow onions
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- 8 finely minced garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 8 ounces strong brewed coffee
- 12 ounces pilsner beer
- 4 cups beef stock
- 1 cup tomato puree
- 5 all-spice berries, or 1/2 teaspoon ground
- 3 tablespoons cumin seeds, or 2 1/2 ground
- 1 stick of cinnamon, or 3/4 teaspoon ground
- 2 teaspoons coriander seeds, or 2 1/4 teaspoon ground
- 5 cloves, or 1/2 teaspoon ground
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 0.33 cup masa harina
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate
- coarse salt and pepper
Equipment
large cast-iron or carbon steel panlarge Dutch ovenblenderspice grindermedium-sized panbowlsauce pot
Tips
- Stir in masa harina at the end for thickening and enhancing flavor, adding a subtle corn flavor and a silky, velvety texture.
- Ancho Chiles provide sweet, smoky flavor and mild heat (1,000 to 2,000 Scoville units).
- Guajillo Chiles offer a fruity, slightly sweet heat (2,500 to 5,000 Scoville units).
- Chiles de Árbol are for those who love spice (10,000 to 25,000 Scoville units).
- Use a 2-gallon Dutch oven or any large, heavy-bottomed pot.
- Drain off excess rendered bacon fat to prevent the chili from being greasy.
- Achieve a good sear on the beef to build incredible depth and richness.
- Traditional Texas chili is bean-less, but beans can be added if desired.
- If using ground spices instead of whole, skip the toasting step.
- The chili can be made up to two days in advance; it is more delicious after sitting for 24 hours.
- Store covered in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, cook over low heat in a sauce pot, adjusting seasonings and consistency with stock or masa harina if needed.
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