Super Bowl
I’m a Texan, so it makes sense that one of my best dishes is chili. However… my recipe? The one I’ve become so famous for? Full disclosure: it isn’t my recipe and worse yet, it isn’t even Texas chili (which cannot contain beans, according to the experts). I got this recipe from a former colleague, so all credit is really due him, but since I have made a few adjustments over the years and it’s truly a fantastic, crowd-pleasing meal, I am sharing it with you.
It goes best with 10-12 good friends and a nice glass of malbec (or cold beer).
Ingredients:
1 lb high quality ground beef (like sirloin)
1 lb ground pork
1 lb steak/sirloin fondue tips
½ lb ground veal
5 strips bacon
1 large white onion, diced
1 each large green, yellow and red bell peppers, diced
1-2 small habanero or Serrano pepper, very finely diced (optional)
1 large can (16 oz) diced tomatoes, mostly drained
1 small can tomato sauce
1 large can (16 oz) red beans, drained
1 large can (16 oz) black beans, drained
1 regular packet dry chili seasoning (optional)
Several sprigs cilantro (optional)
Spice mix:
1 Tbs chili powder
1 tsp each of salt and black pepper
¼ tsp each of cumin, white pepper, garlic powder and crushed red pepper flakes
Preparation:
If you live my my house, thoroughly clean cutting board
Roughly dice onion and all peppers and set aside
In a large skillet, brown the meats in batches, draining most of the fat (cook steak tips to medium)
Combine cooked meat in extra large pot
Add in veggies, diced tomatoes and beans
Stir all ingredients and set stove on very low heat
Add in tomato sauce, dry packet mix and spice mix; cover pot and simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for approx. 1-1.5 hours
Consistency should be mostly thick, not soupy (you can add small amounts of liquid like water or beer to bring to desired consistency)
After 1 hour, taste test and add more spices as desired
Serve with shredded cheddar, sour cream and Tabasco sauce with cilantro garnish
I wanted to take a picture of the prepared meal but was having too much fun with my guests to take any snaps. You’ll just have to trust me.
