Chili

Okay, here we are. I am finally ready to share my Chili recipe with you. It is important to note this is the first time I actually measured things in an attempt to properly inform you, but typically just add as much as feels right and taste as I go - so that is my real recommendation. My chili game was changed after reading The Food Lab, by J. Kenji López-Alt (more info here).

There are couple of keys to the improved chili:

1. Real chili peppers and chili paste instead of just chili powder
2. Umami bombs are essential - soy sauce, marmite, anchovies, cocoa
3. Time. It just can't be rushed. Some people swear by a slow cooker, I do this by stove top - but it still takes 3 hours.

To get a rich meaty chili that isn't just wet meat & beans, let me show you the way! You will need:

• 1 lb ground meat (I used pork)
• 1/4 white onion, chopped
• 3 red chili peppers, diced
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/4 cup chili paste
• 1/2 tsp anchovy paste
• 1 tsp marmite
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cocoa
• 1 can black beans (540 ml)
• 1 can bean medley (540 ml)
• 1 can diced tomatoes (796 ml)
• 1 can corn (341 ml)
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp bourbon
• 1/2 tbsp molasses
• salt & pepper to taste

1. Cook the meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up as it cooks.
2. Add onion, chili peppers, garlic and oregano. Cook until onions are translucent.
3. Add chili paste, stir to coat and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
4. Add anchovy paste, marmite, soy sauce, tomato paste, cumin, paprika, chili powder, cocoa, beans, tomatoes, corn and cider vinegar. Mix thoroughly and simmer uncovered on medium heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
6. Add bourbon and molasses, simmer uncovered on low for 30 minutes.
7. Cover and simmer until beans are desired tenderness (1 hour for me), finish seasoning with salt & pepper. Enjoy with some thick, crusty bread!