Ultimate Beef Chili
Offer garnishes, such as reduced-fat sour cream and grated Cheddar cheese (about 1 tablespoon each per person), chopped scallions and chopped fresh tomatoes. Serve with warmed corn tortillas and a green salad topped with orange slices.
Makes 12 servings, 1 cup each
ACTIVE TIME: 1 hour
TOTAL TIME: 3 1/4 hours
EASE OF PREPARATION: Moderate
1 pound beef round, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch chunks
Salt & freshly ground pepper to taste
1 1/2 tablespoons canola oil, divided
3 onions, chopped
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons dried oregano
12 ounces dark or light beer
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
8 sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil), snipped into small pieces
2 bay leaves
3 19-ounce cans dark kidney beans, rinsed
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons lime juice
1. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add half the beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides, 2 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Repeat with another 1 1/2 teaspoons oil and remaining beef.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons oil to the pot. Add onions and bell peppers; cook, stirring frequently, until onions are golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Add garlic, jalapenos, cumin, chili powder, paprika and oregano. Stir until aromatic, about 2 minutes.
3. Add beer and simmer, scraping up any browned bits, for about 3 minutes. Add diced tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, bay leaves and reserved beef. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beef is very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
4. Add beans; cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until chili has thickened, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 235 calories; 4 g fat (1 g sat, 2 g mono); 17 mg cholesterol; 34 g carbohydrate; 19 g protein; 10 g fiber; 456 mg sodium; 582 mg potassium.
Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (90% daily value), Fiber (38% dv), Vitamin A (35% dv), Iron (20% dv).
1 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings
TIP: For a hot, smoky chili, add 1 tablespoon chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
MAKE AHEAD TIP: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
