Classic Chili Con Carne

This is a classic recipe from Robb Walsh, a Texas food historian and a restaurateur: no beans. In the Texas spirit, it does, however, call for three pounds of meat — boneless chuck, buffalo or venison. There is also some bacon for good measure. This is a hearty meal, great for a cold day when the best thing to do is to stay in and watch that other Texas religion, football.

Ingredients

For the chile powder

• 3 medium dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed, spread flat
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds
• ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

For the chili

• 2 tablespoons cumin seeds
• 8 ounces bacon
• 3 pounds boneless beef chuck, buffalo or venison, cut into 1/4-inch cubes
• 1 pound (2 medium) white onions, chopped
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 4 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 ¾ cups beef broth
• 1 28-ounce can puréed tomatoes
• 2 ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed

• Nutritional Information

  • Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

    426 calories; 21 grams fat; 7 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 9 grams monounsaturated fat; 3 grams polyunsaturated fat; 17 grams carbohydrates; 5 grams dietary fiber; 5 grams sugars; 44 grams protein; 125 milligrams cholesterol; 695 milligrams sodium

  Note: Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available data.
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8 to 10 servings

Preparation

1. For the chile powder: Place the chiles flat in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and cook, turning as needed, until lightly toasted. Transfer to a plate to cool. Put the cumin seeds in the hot pan and stir until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
2. Using scissors, cut the chiles into small strips. Using a spice grinder or a clean coffee grinder, grind in batches into a powder. Pour into a bowl. Grind the cumin seeds into a powder and add to the bowl. Add the oregano and garlic powder. If the mixture is still coarse, grind again until fine. Reserve 3 1/2 tablespoons for the chili; save the rest in a jar.
3. For the chili: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, stir the cumin seeds until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour onto a work surface and using a small, heavy skillet, crush them coarsely. Set aside.
4. Return the pot to medium-high heat, add the bacon and fry until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
5. Increase the heat to high. Working in small batches, add the beef cubes to the pot and cook, stirring, until well browned on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl.
6. Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions to the remaining bacon drippings and sauté until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
7. Add the crushed cumin, reserved chili powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, thyme, salt and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Crumble in the bacon and add the broth, tomatoes, 1 cup water, anchos and the browned beef. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to low, cover partly and simmer for 2 hours, until the meat is very tender. Add water as needed to maintain a good chili consistency.
8. Remove the anchos, purée them in a food processor or blender and return the purée to the pot. Stir well, simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors and serve.