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.
yield
serving(s)
prep time
30 Min
cook time
30 Min
method
Stove Top
Ingredients For fall essentials: dark secret autumnal chili
- PLAN/PURCHASE
- THE LIQUID BASE
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4 cbeef stock, not broth
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28 ozdiced tomatoes, including juice, 1 large can
- THE SLURRY
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1 cbeef stock, cold
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2 - 3 Tbspflour, all-purpose variety
- VEGGIES AND MEAT
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3 - 4 slicethick bacon, diced
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1 mdyellow onion, finely diced
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3 - 4 clovegarlic, minced
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1 Tbspapple-cider vinegar
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1recipe of do ahead chili meat, link to follow
- DRY SPICES
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1 Tbspdehydrated onions, crushed
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1 Tbspground cumin
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1/4 ozbitter chocolate
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1 tspdried oregano
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1 - 2 pinchground cinnamon
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1/4 cchili seasoning powder, more on this later
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salt, kosher variety, to taste
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white pepper, freshly ground, to taste
- ADDITIONAL (ON THE SIDE) ITEMS
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hot sauce, i prefer frank’s
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siracha sauce
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freshly baked cornbread, and/or crusty bread
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shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, whatever
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lime wedges
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a bowl of red chili beans
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lots of tall cold ones
How To Make fall essentials: dark secret autumnal chili
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1PREP/PREPARE
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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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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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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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5You will need a big old pot to make this recipe.
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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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7Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
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8Add the chopped bacon to a large pot over medium heat.
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9Cook until the bacon renders its fat but does not crisp, about 5 – 7 minutes.
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10While the bacon is rendering chop up the onions, and mince the garlic.
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11Add the onions; along with the garlic, to the pot with the bacon.
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12Allow them to soften but not brown, about 3 – 5 minutes.
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13Add the beef stock tomatoes, and apple cider vinegar, then bring up to a simmer.
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14Add the recipe of make-ahead beef and stir to combine.
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15Add the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
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16Whisk together the flour and stock (The Slurry).
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17Add to the simmering chile and stir into the pot.
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18Simmer for an additional 25 – 30 minutes, to allow the chili to thicken, and the flavors to blend.
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19PLATE/PRESET
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20Serve while nice and hot, with some of my suggested side items. Enjoy.
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21Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
Categories & Tags for Fall Essentials: Dark Secret Autumnal Chili:
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