Well, ladies and gentlemen, here you have it: Hubster approved chili. Woot!
The recipe from the third attempt held out, even with stand in chili powder. I kind of forgot that we were out of Chili 3000 after the last attempt. Since I realized this about 5 minutes before needing to start the chili, I used Penzeys Regular Chili Powder instead. Considering I want you to be able to make and love this recipe with whatever spices you prefer, it’s probably not a bad thing. But if you happen to be by a Penzeys, go ahead and pick up a jar of Chili 3000 (and send me one too because I have yet to make it back out there.)
So what makes this chili “the one”? It’s everything that my first attempts weren’t: thick and slow cooked, flavorful and hearty. It has a heat that’s noticeable, but not overwhelming. You can taste the garlic and the beer in each bite. It’s not only Hubster approved, it’s Heather approved. I think somewhere along the way I actually started liking loving chili. I guess when you find “the one” you just know… in life and in chili…
Hubster Approved Chili
1 onion
8 garlic cloves
2 jalapenos
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef
2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
3 Tbsp + 2 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne
1 tsp liquid smoke
1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
2 14oz roasted diced tomatoes
1 beer
2 cans kidney beans
2 bay leaves
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup oyster crackers
Chop onion and mince garlic and jalapenos. Heat oil in a large pot over medium low heat. Sauté onion, garlic and jalapenos for 5 minutes. Increase heat to medium and add the ground beef and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the beef through and then add the chili powder, cayenne and liquid smoke. Cook for 1 minute then add remaining ingredients, stirring to combine. Cover until chili starts to simmer. Uncover and cook until desired consistency, usually about an hour. Spoon into separate bowls and top with sharp cheddar cheese. Serve with oyster crackers.
Notes: Near the end of the cooking, taste the chili and stir in additional chili powder as necessary. This will produce a chili with a building heat. Feel free to adjust the cayenne to suit your taste.
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