Classic Texas Chili

This is a classic Texas chili recipe. It is simple and tastes wonderful. You can control the heat by regulating the amount of cayenne pepper you use.

When faced with a big selection of chili powder, read the label to help you buy the right one for a good pot of chili. The label will include the type of dried chiles that are used and all the other additional spices. Your looking for ground dried chiles, cumin, oregano, and a touch of garlic powder. Some will have salt and some not.

Here are a couple of good ones:

• Spice Islands Chili Powder

• Simply Organic Chili Powder

Masa is a corn dough that comes from ground nixtamalized corn. It can be found in the area of the store that has special flour for baking and/or the international section. You can use cornstarch as a substitute if you would like. If you so choose you can add a 14 to 15 oz can of red kidney beans or other brown beans of your choice. True Texas chili does not have beans, however.

Ingredients

• 2-pounds coarse ground chuck or sirloin

• 1 pound of sirloin steak

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 2 tablespoons masa

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh onion

• 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic (1 medium-large size clove)

• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 cup chili powder

• 1/2 teaspoon oregano

• 1 15-ounce can of tomato sauce

• 2 cans water

Preparation

1. Grill the sirloin steak to medium, then let it rest

2. Brown the ground chuck or sirloin in a large pot or Dutch oven, drain fat

3. Cut the sirloin into 1/4 inch slices and then cut the slices into 1/4 inch pieces and add to the pot

4. Add the spices except for the masa) to the pot and mix thoroughly

5. Add tomato sauce and water.

6. Bring to a boil and then reduce temperature to simmer for about 90 minutes or until the steak cubes are very tender

7. If you want to thicken the chili, mix the masa in 1/4 cup of hot water. Stir the masa until smooth.

8. Pour the masa mixture into the chili and stir

9. Cook until the chili thickens and serve

Serve with sour cream, chopped green onions, chives, sliced jalapeno, and/or grated cheddar cheese.

Keywords: soup