This recipe is even more delicious with a homemade chile powder. Chile powder is easy to make. Whole dried chiles like ancho, mulato, guajillo and pasilla can be found in Latin markets and some supermarkets. Toast a mix of dried chiles in a 350 degree oven for a few minutes (until they become fragrant and turn slightly golden), cool and grind in a food processor. Voila! You have your own chile powder. You'll never go back to the packaged stuff.

Ingredients:

•    2 medium onions, diced
•    2 # ground beef
•    1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
•    1 can of water
•    1 10 oz. can each kidney and pinto beans, drained and rinsed
•    salt to taste
•    2 1/2 - 3 Tbsp chili powder
•    2 tsp ground cumin
•    1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)

Method:

•    Saute onions in a large soup pot for 5-7 minutes
•    Add beef and brown along with onions
•    When beef is completely cooked, add a little salt to the beef and onion mixture
•    Add tomatoes, water, chili powder, cumin and cayenne powder
•    Bring to a simmer and allow to cook, partially covered for at least 30 minutes
•    Add beans to chili and allow to cook for 10 more minutes
•    Season to taste and serve with sour cream and chives!


Recipe: Holly Mendenhall
Unfussy Food