How To Make Chili

Step 2: Brown The Beef

In a large pot, cover the bottom with canola oil and add 2 lbs (1 kg) ground beef. Salt and pepper to taste and sauté for 5 minutes, or until brown. The meat does not have to be cooked all the way through as it will cook further when all ingredients are combined. Pour the browned beef into a bowl when done.

Step 3: Vegetable Variety

In the same large pot, add a little more canola oil and add 2 chopped celery stalks, 2 chopped carrots, 1 diced Pasilla chile, 1 diced Anaheim chile and 4 diced Jalapeno chiles. Salt and pepper to taste and sauté until softened. Once soft, continue by adding 1/2 diced onion and 3 chopped garlic cloves. Continue to sauté all vegetables until soft.

Step 4: Toasted Spices

In a separate, ungreased pan, combine 8 Tbsp chili powder and 4 Tbsp cumin. Toast over a medium heat for just 2-3 minutes, or until the spices begin to smoke. Stir the spices constantly to toast all the way through. Once toasted, add the spices to the pot of sautéed vegetables and incorporate.

Step 5: Rich, Meaty Sauce

Once the vegetables and toasted spices are mixed, add the browned beef back to the main pot and stir. Add 1 large can (1 kg) peeled tomatoes to the pot and mix thoroughly. For added flavor, add 1 smoked ham hock to the middle of the pot and cover with the ingredients. Finish by adding 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock to cover the ingredients. Bring the contents up to a boil, then down to a simmer. Cover and simmer for 3 hours.

Step 6: The Main Ingredient

After 1 hour of simmering, add 2 cups (500 g) cannellini beans, 2 cups (500 g) kidney beans and 1 cup (340 g) black beans. Stir the beans into the chili, cover, and continue to simmer for another 2 hours. Remember to stir occasionally during the next 2 hours to keep the flavors and ingredients incorporated.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Ladle the chili into a bowl and garnish with some shredded Cheddar cheese, diced green onion, chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lemon (if desired). Serve hot and enjoy!

Step 8: Done.