Chili Our Way

Directions

Heat a griddle or cast-iron skillet over mod-high heat until it is hot.

Toast the chili peppers, turning them and not allowing them to burn, for 1 to 2 minutes.

Let chili peppers cool until they can be handled, then seed them.

Combine peppers with 1 cup water in a small saucepan.

Bring to a boil, covered, simmer the mixture for 5 minutes.

Purée the water and pepper in a food processor.

In a large casserole, sauté the chuck in 4 tablespoon beef suet over moderately high heat until it is lightly browned.

Transfer meat to a bowl.

Add to the casserole, the remaining suet, onions, and garlic, and cook the mixture over moderate heat, stirring, until the onions are softened.

Add the cumin and cook the mixture over mod-low heat, stirring, for 1 minute.

Add the chuck, chile purée, tomatoes, cocoa powder, bay leaf, and oregano, and combine the mixture well.

Add water to cover barely.

Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, and adding more water, if necessary, to keep the meat covered, for 2 hours longer.

Add salt to taste, simmer uncovered for another hour.

Discard bay leaf.

Transfer the chili to a heated serving bowl and serve it with the sour cream, cheese, onion, chili peppers, beans and tortilla chips.