Notes

I think the notes people include in their recipes make them more personal. If I write a note myself about a recipe, it will always be written in purple.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

OSO Sweet Bowl of Chili

OSO Sweet Bowl of Chili
Almost everyone loves a good bowl of red, and lots of sweet onion make this version a crowd pleaser.
Like most soups and stews, it will taste even better if made a day or two ahead.

Chili

2 pounds OSO Sweet Onions, sliced (about 1/3 inch)
2 red bell peppers, cut in half, then into strips (about 1/3-inch)
Salt, as needed
Vegetable oil as needed
4 pounds pork or beef stewing meat, cut into1-inch cubes
6 cloves garlic, chopped finely
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon chili powder or to taste
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 bottles (12 ounces each) amber ale*
1/3 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup water
3 cans (about 15 ounces each) beans of choice or a mixture, rinsed and drained

Condiments

Avocado Salsa (recipe follows)

1-1/2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
3 large limes, cut into 24 wedges

In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons oil.

Stir in onion, bell pepper, and 1/2 tablespoon salt.

Saute onion and bell pepper until just wilted, about 5 minutes.

Remove vegetables and reserve.

To the same pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil; meanwhile, lightly salt meat.

Brown meat on all sides in hot oil in batches.

(Do not crowd pan or meat will not brown well.)

(Add a little more oil to the pan as you go, if needed.)

Stir in garlic and remaining spices.

Stir to coat meat.

When spices become aromatic, about 3 minutes, stir in ale.

Simmer, covered, until meat is just tender, about 1 hour.

Stir in reserved sauteed vegetables and beans.

Simmer, covered, until vegetables are cooked but still hold shape, about  15 minutes.

Mix cornmeal with water; stir into chili.

Cook uncovered until mixture thickens slightly, about 10 minutes.

If necessary, add salt to taste.

Serve chili along with condiments.

Yield: 12 servings

* 12 ounces of ginger beer or ginger ale and 1-1/2 cups of water can be  substituted for ale.

Avocado Salsa

1 cup chopped OSO Sweet Onion
1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon red (hot) pepper flakes
3 ripe (but still firm) California Avocados, cut in small dice

Mix onion with tomato, vinegar, red pepper flakes, and salt.

Gently fold in avocado.

Chill 1 hour to marry flavors.

Serve at room temperature.

Makes about 3-1/2 cups

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