Smoked Chipotle Cowpoke Chili w/ Shortcut Cornbread
My mom has been making a similar version of this chili for years. I'm pretty sure it came out of a newspaper at some point in time. I'm pretty into flavor and a few years ago Tabasco came out with a smoked version of their classic hot sauce. I put that shit on everything. I also found smoked chipotle pepper flakes from a company called Victoria Taylor's Seasonings. It's the best $9.50 + shipping you'll ever spend. Sometimes if I'm lucky enough I can find the medium sized jar at my local Homegoods. This recipe won me a fuck-ton of money for charity once so if you steal it, be kind and give me credit. I'm also listing a super quick version of cast iron cornbread. I have a great version that requires creamed corn but I save that time consuming shit for Sundays, not weekdays. Also, Tostitos makes a jalapeno version of their tortilla chips, it goes well, consider it. This recipe freezes amazingly and I use it for chili dogs, chili fries, chili tots, or just over rice. I've even replaced the beef with moose meat.
Smoked Chipotle Cowpoke Chili
Serves 4-6
ingredients:
1 lb. grass fed ground beef
1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2, 6 oz. cans organic tomato paste
1, 8 oz. can organic tomato sauce
14 oz. decent beef stock
19 oz. can red kidney beans WITH liquid
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp smoked chipotle pepper flakes (more to taste if you need)
10 dashes Smoked Tabasco (more or less, taste as you go)
For Serving:
Grated Monterey Jack or Sharp Cheddar Cheese.
Sour Cream
Tortilla Chips
Chopped Cilantro/Parsley, whatever you like
1. Heat a heavy bottomed pot or Dutch Oven over medium/high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and heat until glistening. Add in ground beef, taking care to break it up with a wooden spoon. When beef is just about browned add in onions. Cook, stirring until onions begin to turn translucent.
2. Add garlic and tomato paste, stirring frequently. Let cook 1-2 minutes. Add tomato sauce, beef stock. Stir until combined and simmer 5 minutes on medium/low heat. Add in oregano, salt, chili powder, pepper flakes and tabasco. Simmer 15 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. Add in entire contents of can with beans. Simmer additional 15 minutes until beans are tender and flavors come together. Serve with desired toppings.
Shortcut Cast Iron Cornbread
1 box Jiffy Cornbread Mix
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup light sour cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp granulated sugar
2 eggs
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all. Lightly vegetable oil a 10 in. standard cast iron skillet with a brush, taking care to get it up the sides. pour in batter and bake approximately 25-30 minutes until a knife poked in the center comes out clean. Cool, cut into triangles and serve alongside any BBQ dish, or even as breakfast with a side of honey butter.