Amazing Chili

Toasting the spices in the fat is the step everyone skips and the reason this one tastes deep.

⏱ 2 hr · easy · 🍽 serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 lb ground beef chuck
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 can crushed tomatoes, 28 oz
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 2 cups beef stock
• 1 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tsp kosher salt

Steps

1. Brown the beef hard in a heavy pot, in two batches so it sears rather than steams. Remove it, leaving the fat behind.
2. Cook the onion in that fat for 8 minutes, then add the garlic for 1 minute.
3. Add all the dry spices and the tomato paste and stir constantly for 90 seconds until it smells toasted and darkens. This is the step.
4. Return the beef with the tomatoes, beans and stock. Bring to a simmer.
5. Cook uncovered at a bare simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
6. Off the heat, stir in the vinegar and salt to taste.