NUMERO UNO CHILI

Servings: 6
Ingredients:

1/4 c  Olive oil
2 ea Large yellow onions, chopped
2 lb Coarsely ground beef
1 x  (shank, shoulder or chuck)
2 lb Coarsely ground pork
1 x  Salt
1/3 c  Mild, unseasoned chile powde
3 T  Ground cumin,
1 x  From toasted seeds, if possi
3 T  Dried oregano, Mexican
3 T  Unsweetened cocoa powder
1 x  (NOT DUTCH PROCESS!)
2 T  Ground cinnamon
1 1/2 t  Cayenne pepper, or to taste
4 c  Tomato juice
3 c  Beef stock or canned broth
8 ea Medium garlic cloves,
1 x  Peeled and minced
2 T  Yellow cornmeal
1 x  As optional thickener (more
32 oz Dark red kidney beans
1 x  -(drained and rinsed)

In a large skillet, over medium heat, warm the oil. Add onions and
cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 20 minutes.
Meanwhile in a 4 to 5 qt. heavy flameproof casserole or Dutch oven
over medium heat, combine beef and pork. Season with 2 T salt and
cook, stirring often, until meat has lost all its pink color and is
evenly crumbled, about 20 minutes.
Scrape onions into casserole with meats. Stir in chili powder,
cumin, oregano, cocoa, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. Cook, stirring, 5
minutes. Stir in tomato juice and beef stock. Bring to a boil then
lower heat and simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.
Taste, correct seasonings and simmer another 30 minutes or until
chili is thickened to your liking. Stir in garlic. To thicken chili
further or to bind any surface fats, stir in the optional cornmeal.
Stir in the beans and simmer another 5 minutes. Serves 6 or more.

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