Chili primero

6 servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
Jim Vorheis
1poundsSmoked bacon, cut into 3/8-inch pieces
4poundsRound steak, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
56ouncesCanned tomatoes
15ouncesCan tomato sauce
6ouncesCan tomato paste
7ouncesCan diced green chilies
2tablespoonsDiced jalapeno peppers (optional)
4ouncesCan diced, pickled cactus, drained (optional)
2cupsChopped onions
2cupsChopped green bell pepper
1cupMinced fresh parsley
2teaspoonsGround coriander
3Cloves garlic, minced
8teaspoonsGround cumin
1teaspoonCayenne pepper
¼teaspoonDried oregano
¼teaspoonPaprika
2teaspoonsSalt
1teaspoonFreshly ground black pepper
1tablespoonFresh lemon juice
2tablespoonsMild chili powder
½teaspoonMedium-hot chili powder
½cupMasa harina (corn flour)
Garnish:
Sour cream
Shredded Cheddar cheese
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

In large skillet, brown bacon; drain and set aside, reserving grease.

In same skillet, brown round steak. Put browned round steak and bacon pieces in large stockpot. Stir in tomatoes with liquid, tomato sauce, tomato paste, green chilies, jalapenos and cactus. Heat to simmering. In same skillet, saute onions in ½ reserved bacon grease until transparent. Add to stockpot. Repeat with green peppers. Stir in parsley, coriander, garlic, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice and chili powders. Cook over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Sprinkle masa harina over soup and stir. Simmer covered for 4 hours. Garnish each serving with sour cream and shredded cheese.

Creme de Colorado Cookbook (1987) From the collection of Jim Vorheis