Cooking Classes

1.3.10

Sarah's Chili

I have been obsessing about making chili.  Deana from lostpastrembered knows!  One of you had an intriguing recipe a couple or so months ago and I should have book-marked it.  It used chunks of beef and a variety of chilis.  And no tomatoes!  If you know who has this recipe, please tell me.

I brought back a few dried chilis from the South and have been dying to try them.  And I know I told Deana that I was 'beefed' out but when in Rome.....    Unless I want to have a feast on Mennonite, German or Farmer's sausages on a regular basis, beef is next in line here in cattle country.

In Neville, Saskatchewan we are in the centre of Hutterite and Mennonite country.  Hence, the sausages.  I also see lutefisk at the grocers.  Perhaps I will gather the courage.

So, back to the chili.  I decided to invent my own recipe.  And you wanna know what?  It wasn't half bad.  I loved the complexity of using the different dried chilis and the subtle flavours.  I grew up serving chili with rice - a little odd for a farming community perhaps.  I also love it with homemade bread. 

Sarah's Chili

1 lb. chuck or stewing beef, cut into cubes
1 can black beans
1 can diced tomatoes
1 dried mulato chili
1 dried ancho chili
1 dried guachillo chili
1 t dried red chili flakes
1 star anise
1 T rich, dark chocolate
1 t ground cumin
1 yellow onion, finely diced
1 c water

Saute the beef chunks and set aside.  In the same pan, warm all of the chilis and spices (grind in a coffee grinder or mini-prep first).  Add the onions and saute until clear.  Add back the beef.  Add the canned tomatoes, chocolate and water.  Cook in a 350F oven for about 2 hours or until the beef is tender.  Add the rinsed and drained canned black beans about 30 minutes before the dish is done.

7 comments:

  1. Sarah: What a great recipe... it's great fun and so rewarding when you mix it up yourself and come out with something wonderful. You don't need that recipe! The spices and the mix of chilis is fabulous!!! I have never tried star anise in chili but, wow, that and chocolate are brilliant together, what a great idea.

    I am also curious, there was a pop-up that said you had found a new house... well if that was correct, congrats!!!! Not having my kitchen for a year while I waited for this place was so frustrating. Everything I needed was in a box in storage!!! You must be so pleased ( I bet you have amazing kitchen stuff too).

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  2. And I am from Edmonton, currently teaching foods after English Literature for 28 years and I am passionate about it! I have a Nutritious Lunch Project, a Catering Club, and am having a blast! The chili looks scrumptious. I MUST, I MUST!
    Tell me more about your cooking school at home!
    XO
    Valerie

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  3. This sounds so good, and different from the chili I usually have.

    Also congrats on the new home!

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  4. Boy oh boy that sounds so good!! Ancho chilies are one of my favorites, I bet this chili has some awesome flavor! MUST TRY SOON :)

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  5. Oh boy!! This chili looks so hearty and spicy. I want some!! I love that you used dried chiles.

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  6. I'm glad you got this one figured out! Sorry I couldn't help.

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  7. I like the idea of all those different chilis that you used; so much more variety than my chili recipe! Oh by the way, I've visited Calgary only once (in the touristy areas of Banff and Lake Louise) and found it to be one of the most beautiful spots on this earth! My husband and I hope to return as soon as we can! The color of the lakes' water is incredible! Enjoy! Roz

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