Red chili nightmare-chocolate chili

4 Servings

Ingredients

QuantityIngredient
1cupPinto beans; dried
1teaspoonPaprika
5cupsWater
1Whole nutmeg; ground
2tablespoonsLard
1teaspoonCumin
1tablespoonBacon drippings
2teaspoonsOregano; dried, pref. Mexican
1Onion
4tablespoonsSesame seeds
12ouncesPork sausage; country-style
1cupAlmonds; blanched, skins removed
1poundsBeef; coarse grind
12Whole dried red chiles
4Cloves garlic
cupChile Caribe
1teaspoonAnise
ounceMilk chocolate; small pieces
½teaspoonCoriander seeds
1can(6-oz) tomato paste
½teaspoonFennel seeds
2tablespoonsVinegar
½teaspoonCloves; ground
3teaspoonsLemon juice
11-inch cinnamon stick; ground
1Soft tortilla; chopped
1teaspoonBlack pepper; freshly ground
Salt

Directions

1. Place the rinsed beans in a bowl, add 2 to 3 cups of water and soak overnight. Check the beans occasionally and add water as necessary to keep them moist.

2. Pour the beans and the water in which they were soaked into a heavy saucepan and add 2 to 3 more cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower heat and simmer, partially covered, for about 45 minutes, until the beans are cooked but still firm. Check occasionally and add water if necessary. Drain the beans, reserving the cooking liquid.

3. Melt the lard in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the beans and lightly fry them in the lard. Set aside.

4. Melt the drippings in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it is translucent.

5. Combine the sausage and the beef with all the spices up through the oregano. Add this meat-and-spice mixture to the pot with the onion. Break up any lumps with a fork and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is very well browned.

6. Add the reserved bean-cooking liquid to the pot. Stir in all the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cook, uncovered, for ½ hour longer. Stir occasionally. Add water only if necessary to maintain the consistency of a chunky soup.

7. Taste when curiosity becomes unbearable and courage is strong. Adjust seasonings.

CHILE-HEADS ARCHIVES

From the Chile-Heads recipe list. Downloaded from Glen's MM Recipe Archive, .