Ancho Beef Chili Recipes

HEALTHY BEEF CHILI WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Put the ancho and guajillo chiles in a medium saucepan with the beef broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, remove from the heat and allow to sit until softened, about 15 minutes. Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles and place the chiles in a blender along with the beef stock. Blend until smooth, then set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper and cook, stirring once or twice, until the beef is browned, about 10 minutes. Remove the beef with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate. Add the onions to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the garlic, chili powder, cumin and oregano and cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, chile puree, beef, 2 teaspoons salt and a few grinds of pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and can easily be cut with a fork, about 1 hour.
• Add the butternut squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 10 minutes. Serve with sour cream, Cheddar and cilantro.

BEEF CHILI WITH ANCHO, RED BEANS AND CHOCOLATE

Steps:

• Toast the ancho chile pieces over low heat in a dry skillet until fragrant, shaking the pan so they don't scorch.
• Put the chiles in a food processor and pulse until they are powder.
• Cut the beef into large and season with salt and pepper.
• Put beef in large soup pot and add enough water to cover by one inch.
• Place over medium heat and bring to a boil.
• Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
• Mix in onions, garlic, chipotles, and jalapeño.
• Stir in the chili powder, coriander, cumin, paprika, oregano, sugar, cinnamon, and powdered ancho chilies.
• Pour the entire can of tomatoes into a bowl and crush by hand until chunky.
• Add tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot.
• Simmer for 2 hours.
• As it cooks down you can add more water if necessary (we didn't need to but you may).
• When done, take a wooden spoon and beat chili vigorously so that meat comes apart in shreds.
• (I used two forks like I do with pulled pork).
• Stir in beans and corn meal.
• Cover only partially (so the chili doesn't get watery).
• Simmer for one hour stirring occasionally In the last 5 minutes, stir in the chocolate.
• Before serving, garnish with cheddar.