This is a mix of recipes that over time has become our sort of textbook version, except maybe a bit extra smoky because of the chipotles.
Ingredients
1 1/4tbspground cumin
1 1/4tbspground coriander
1lbground beef
1lbground pork
3tbspolive oil
2cupsonions, finely chopped
1red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1/4-inch pieces
1jalapeno, seeded and diced
5-6tomatoes, finely chopped
1tspchili powder(our chili powder from India is potent so I recommend you adjust according to yours)
1tspminced canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, packed
6ozdark beer(or whatever you have*; we used Other Half** growler of Double Dry Hopped Mosaic Dream today)
1 15-ouncecan kidney beans, drained
Garnish:
Chopped green onions
Coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
Toast cumin and coriander in skillet for a few minutes over medium heat until darker and beginning to smoke. Remove toasted spices from pan immediately and allow to cool.
Sauté meat in heavy large pot over medium-high heat until no longer pink, continuously breaking up the meats and stirring, using 2 flat-bottomed wooden spoons or spatulas, about 10 minutes. Turn off the burner until ready to add the vegetables.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until they begin to soften. Then, add all the peppers and continue to sauté until everything softens and begins to brown. Add tomatoes and cook until they break down some.
Set the pot with the meat on medium heat. Add the vegetables and stir to combine.
Add the toasted spices, chili powder, and chipotle chiles, and beer. Bring chili to boil, stirring occasionally. Add the beans now if you don’t mind them breaking a part a bit. To keep them more whole, wait until 10 -15 minutes into the simmering to add them.
Reduce heat and simmer 30 minutes, stirring frequently. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve in a bread bowl, topped with green onions and cheese.
Notes
* Neither of us were feeling dark beer or stout to drink so we chose a growler of what we wanted to drink and used that in the chili. Beforehand, I did read (and appreciate!) this detailed account of options for various beers in chili.**Other Half beer