Classic Texas Chili

Here’s our version of old fashioned Texas chili.

Serves 6.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 onions, diced
• 1½ pounds lean ground beef
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons good quality red chili powder
• 8 ounces canned Roma tomatoes, drained
• ½ cup tomato paste
• ½ cup beef stock
• 8 ounces Negro Modello or other dark ale
• 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

Garnishes (use any, all, or none):

• chopped cilantro
• chopped onion or scallions
• grated Cheddar cheese
• Fritos corn chips
• sour cream
• Tabasco hot sauce

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot. Add garlic and onions and sauté over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, until starting to become translucent.
2. Add the ground beef and continue to cook for 7-8 minutes, until beef is thoroughly browned. Season with salt, pepper and chili powder, stir well and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, stock, beer, vinegar and cumin, and stir well, breaking up tomatoes.
4. Bring to a simmer, then turn down heat to low and cook, covered, for 45-60 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings.