fall essentials: dark secret autumnal chili
Okay, about a week ago I posted my recipe for the seasoning I use when making a pot of chili. The other day, I posted my recipe for make-ahead chili meat, and now I am tying them all together with a yummy pot of Autumn Chili. Serve it up with a bunch of friends on one of those cool evenings where there is just a slight hint of frost in the air. Good food, great friends, wonderful conversations. What could be better for your heart and soul? Served this last Sunday... Everyone was happy. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.
prep time
30 Min
cook time
30 Min
method
Stove Top
yield
Several
Ingredients
- PLAN/PURCHASE
- THE LIQUID BASE
- 4 cups beef stock, not broth
- 28 ounces diced tomatoes, including juice, 1 large can
- THE SLURRY
- 1 cup beef stock, cold
- 2 - 3 tablespoons flour, all-purpose variety
- VEGGIES AND MEAT
- 3 - 4 slices thick bacon, diced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple-cider vinegar
- 1 recipe of do ahead chili meat, link to follow
- DRY SPICES
- 1 tablespoon dehydrated onions, crushed
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/4 ounce bitter chocolate
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 - 2 pinches ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup chili seasoning powder, more on this later
- salt, kosher variety, to taste
- white pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- ADDITIONAL (ON THE SIDE) ITEMS
- hot sauce, i prefer frank’s
- siracha sauce
- freshly baked cornbread, and/or crusty bread
- shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, whatever
- lime wedges
- a bowl of red chili beans
- lots of tall cold ones
How To Make fall essentials: dark secret autumnal chili
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Step 1PREP/PREPARE
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Step 2This recipe uses two other recipes of mine. One is for the chili seasoning, and the other is for the meat. You do not have to use them; however, if you do, here they are: Autumn/Winter Essentials: Chili, Chili Spice Mix https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/seasoning-mix/autumn-winter-essentials-chili-chili-spice-mix.html?r=2 Do Ahead Essentials: Chili Meat in the Freezer https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/main-course/beef/do-ahead-essentials-chili-meat-in-the.html?r=1
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Step 3When it comes to canned tomatoes, there are great, good, and not so good brands. If you are interested in reading more on this fascinating subject, here are two articles I wrote, one that describes the different brands lurking out there, and another that talks about getting canned tomatoes tasting fresh. https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/soup/soup-other-soup/cooking-class-the-best-canned-tomatoes.html?r=1 https://www.justapinch.com/recipes/sauce-spread/sauce-spread-other-sauce-spread/removing-the-bitter-taste-from-canned-tomatoes.html?r=2
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Step 4FYI: When it comes to the tomatoes, I usually can of whole peeled tomatoes, put them into a bowl, and use my hands to squeeze them until they break up. Why? Because that is how Aunt Josephine did it.
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Step 5You will need a big old pot to make this recipe.
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Step 6The “Dark Secret” to this recipe is the addition of dark chocolate. Which probably is not all that much of a secret to begin with. Just remember, to be careful. Adding to much chocolate (a little goes a long way) can turn your recipe from awesome to awful.
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Step 7Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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Step 8Add the chopped bacon to a large pot over medium heat.
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Step 9Cook until the bacon renders its fat but does not crisp, about 5 – 7 minutes.
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Step 10While the bacon is rendering chop up the onions, and mince the garlic.
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Step 11Add the onions; along with the garlic, to the pot with the bacon.
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Step 12Allow them to soften but not brown, about 3 – 5 minutes.
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Step 13Add the beef stock tomatoes, and apple cider vinegar, then bring up to a simmer.
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Step 14Add the recipe of make-ahead beef and stir to combine.
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Step 15Add the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
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Step 16Whisk together the flour and stock (The Slurry).
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Step 17Add to the simmering chile and stir into the pot.
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Step 18Simmer for an additional 25 – 30 minutes, to allow the chili to thicken, and the flavors to blend.
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Step 19PLATE/PRESET
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Step 20Serve while nice and hot, with some of my suggested side items. Enjoy.
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Step 21Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
Discover More
Tag:
#Quick & Easy
Category:
Chili
Ingredient:
Beef
Diet:
Dairy Free
Diet:
Soy Free
Culture:
American
Method:
Stove Top
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