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Thursday May 17, 2012

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Bob Hart's Chilli

Posted by: Bob Hart | 15 March, 2011 - 10:36 AM
Bob Hart's chili

CHILLI is a dish that began life in those cowboy states of the US that border Mexico, although it has since become universal, and has developed into something Mexicans would not recognise. Try my simple version and, in time, tweak the recipe to make it your own - perhaps by adding, as I do, a couple of chopped chipotle chillies in adobo:

Finely chop (rather than mince) 2.5kgs of beef - I like blade, or even skirt. Brown it in batches in EV olive oil in a large pot, seasoning as you go, and remove it to a warm bowl. Sweat 2 large chopped onions and 6-8 finely-chopped garlic cloves in a splash of oil and, when they are soft, add 45g of chilli powder (an American one, ideally - I use one called Gebhardt - but if you use Asian, or pure ground chillis, use less), 1tbs ground cumin and 2tsp cayenne. Cook briskly, stirring, for two minutes.

Add 2 tins of chopped tomatoes with their juice and add 55g of fine cornmeal (polenta is fine). Stir to combine, and return the beef to the pot with 2 cups of beef stock. Cover, and cook on very low heat for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender, adding a splash of water if additional liquid is required. Skim off any fat and add 2 tins of red kidney beans, drained and rinsed. Stir and continue to cook to ensure they are heated through.

And that's is. Almost. Remember to serve it in a bowl, topped with chopped, red salad onions, grated cheddar cheese and, if you want to follow my shameful lead, crushed corn chips and a generous dollop of sour cream.

Blog comments Your Say

  • you should try a fried or poached egg on top of the chiili they love it at my house

    mary lee Tuesday 13 September, 2011 - 1:05 PM

  • Bob
    Could you possibly tell me where you can purchase Gebhardt chili powder.I purchased some chipotle chili powder (Los Chileros)from USA foods but I'm a bit concerned that it may be a little too hot
    Regards Peter

    Peter Thursday 31 March, 2011 - 6:53 PM

  • Andrea:
    Who in their right mind would want a veggo? Oh that's right you're not in your right mind, are you.

    Milton Friday 18 March, 2011 - 3:32 PM

  • All I can say is - Bob begone!
    Get in a veggo.

    Andrea Thursday 17 March, 2011 - 7:47 PM

  • chocolate in chilli goes great! same for spag bol.

    Heather Thursday 17 March, 2011 - 5:21 PM

  • No thanks BOB, I don,t have a fire extinguisher...

    Steve Tuesday 15 March, 2011 - 7:19 PM

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