Beef Chili with Ancho, Red Beans and Chocolate

It is cold outside  and it is officially Football Season.  Well I should rephrase that.  The Football Season is almost over, only one big game left.  What are you going to serve?  We serve Chili, usually more then one type but this one is my favorite.  Shredded Beef mixed with American Southwest Flavors and Chocolate.  Definitely worthy of Superbowl Victory.  Adapted from Tyler Florence.

You will need:  3 pounds of stew meat (beef shoulder), 2 cans (15 1/2 oz) red kidney beans, 1/4 cup cornmeal, 3 canned chipotle peppers in adobo, 1 (28oz) can of whole tomatoes, 2 large onions (3 sml), 10 garlic cloves, 1 jalapeno

For spices: 2 tbs chili powder, 2 tbs ground coriander, 1 tbs ground cumin, 1 tbs grated unsweetened chocolate, 1 tbs paprika, 1 tbs oregano, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 2 tsp ground ancho chili pepper*, 1 tsp sugar, 2 tbs tomato paste, salt and pepper

*Note: Tyler actually takes 2 ancho chilies throws them on hot skillet to toast a little bit and then powders them in food processor.  That has not worked for me.  First of all I am confused as what to buy since there is no such thing as fresh Ancho Chili, ancho chili is really Poblano Pepper dried.  I guess I should buy dry one and toast it.  Why?  Since I can buy  Ancho Chili Pepper in my spice isle.  Not every store carries it and you will not find it at Walmart.  But in reality do you really need it?  I have made it without this chili and it was amazing.  I am not really sure if I could tell the difference, unless tasting side by side. I am not a food critic and neither are your Superbowl following friends, so you can easily skip the ancho chili.

Season the meat with salt and pepper

Put in a large soup pot, pour enough water to cover the meat by 1 inch, place on medium heat

Bring to boil

Remove a foam that forms on top.

Dice onions

garlic

seeded jalapeno

and chipotles in adobo

add to the pot

Stir in 2 tbs chili powder, 2 tbs coriander, 1 tbs cumin, 1 tbs paprika, 1 tbs oregano, 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1 tsp sugar and powdered ancho chillies (see note above)

Pour the entire can of whole tomatoes and juices into a bowl

using your hands crush (squeeze) the tomatoes until chunky

measure 2 tbs tomato paste

add to the pot together with tomatoes

Simmer for about 2 hours until the meat falls apart easily.  Do not be afraid to add some water if necessary.

Using the back of the spoon beat the meat pieces (squeeze on the side of bowl until they fall apart)

When you are done it will look more like shredded beef

Add drained beans and 1/4 cup cornmeal

Simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.  Cover partially

In the last 5 minutes of cooking add the grated chocolate

Serve with Shredded Cheddar Cheese and Saltine Crackers.

This Chili is thick and could easily be used as spiced beef in Nachos, Burritos even Crepes.  This is really an amazing dish.