Saucy, Smokey, and Spicy! I'm talking about chili of course......

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Chili

There are many different ways to make chili.  So many flavor variations to choose from.  While I love ‘em all, I have settled on what  I consider to be a good pot of chili.  It has a Smokey background from the chipotle, earthy flavor from the cumin, and a beer base.  Did I just say beer base?  Yeah baby!!!!!

In terms of heat level, I like it with a kick but not too spicy yet full of flavor.  Speaking of flavor, the key to bringing out the best in your spices is to toast them.  No I’m not referring to a toaster….  Toasting spices is simply placing the dry spices into a heated pan and cook until you smell the aromatic aroma.  Wait a minute, aromatic is just another way of saying aroma... Any way, I digress.  Think of it as a spice wake up call coaxing the oils to come to life and bring lots of flavor to the beer party.

The final dish is deliciously balanced and will satisfy that chili craving.  Served with good corn bread and you have some good eats!

Ingredients:

• Splash olive oil for sauté purposes
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped (sounds like a lot, but it adds a lot of flavor)
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon salt
• Pepper to taste
• Dried cumin to taste.  I happen to like a lot.
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon dried or fresh oregano
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 chipotle chiles (or as many as you can stand)
• 1 pound ground turkey or beef
• 1 (12-ounce) Mexican lager-style beer or dark ale.
• 2 large cans of dices tomatoes, chopped with their juice
• 2 large cans of tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
• 2 cans pinto or kidney beans rinsed and drained (for variety and texture, I use one can white bean and one can red bean)

Heat the olive oil then add the onion, garlic, salt, cumin, chili powder, and oregano and cook, until fragrant about 3 minutes.  The goal here is not to brown, you are only softening the onion and garlic while toasting the spices.  Stir in the tomato paste and the chipotle chiles; cook 1 minute more. Add the turkey or beef, and cook through. Add the beer and simmer until reduced by about half. Add the tomatoes and the beans; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thick and reduced to how you like it.  Add additional tomato paste if you feel like it needs more body.  Adjust the salt and pepper to taste.

Garnish with whatever you like:  Fresh chives, sour cream, and cheese always works!  Enjoy!