Beef Chili With Ancho Mole And Cumin Recipes

MOLE CHILI

Steps:

• Hot pickled vegetables, drained and chopped (recommended: Giardiniara), for serving
• Put the chiles in a pot with the stock and bring to a boil over medium heat. Then lower heat to a simmer until softened, about 10 minutes.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil, 1 turn of the pan, over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven or soup pot. When the oil smokes, add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the meat, raise the heat to high and brown for 8 minutes. Lower the heat a bit, add the onions and garlic and cook for 5 to 6 minutes to soften. Season the meat and onions with black pepper, to taste, (hold off on the salt until the chili is completed due to the addition of the bacon and the stock).
• Add the anchos with the stock to a food processor and puree until smooth. Set aside.
• Add the tomato paste to the meat mixture, stir 1 minute, then pour in the ancho stock. Stir in the tomatoes, spices, cocoa and cinnamon. Simmer for a few minutes, adjust the seasoning and add a touch of salt, if needed.
• Serve the chili in shallow bowls topped with cheese, raw red onions, and spicy chopped vegetables.

GROUND BEEF CHILI WITH CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER

Steps:

• Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium. Add onion and salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until onion starts to soften and become translucent, about 5 minutes.
• Add chiles, cocoa powder and spices, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes.
• Add ground meat and cook, breaking apart with a wooden spoon and stirring occasionally, until cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes.
• Add tomatoes and their juices, beer and stock to the pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the temperature to a simmer, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the flavors meld a bit.
• Reduce heat to low (if not already there), then stir in the beans, chocolate and peanut butter until beans are warmed through and chocolate has melted, about 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and serve with tortilla chips, cheese, avocado or whatever toppings you desire.

ANCHO MOLE

Steps:

• Place chiles in large bowl; pour 4 cups warm water over. Let stand until chiles are soft, about 2 hours, turning occasionally. Drain, reserving 1 cup soaking liquid. Coarsely chop chiles.
• Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-low heat. Add almonds, peanuts, raisins, and sesame seeds; sauté until toasted, about 12 minutes. Transfer mixture to processor; add chiles with 1 cup reserved chile soaking liquid and plum tomatoes. Puree until mixture is almost smooth. Return mixture to skillet; add 2 3/4 cups water and bring to boil, whisking to blend. Reduce heat to medium-low; add chocolate and whisk until melted. Simmer until sauce thickens and darkens, adding more water by 1/4 cupfuls if too thick, about 15 minutes. Season with pepper and generous amount of salt. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cool slightly. Cover; chill. Rewarm over low heat, whisking often.)