Tailgate Chili

You may look at this recipe and think that it is too hot for any normal person, but trust me, once this has mellowed, it will be on the spicier side, but will be the chili recipe that you keep coming back to.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbs olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 4 habanero peppers, minced (lower this to 3 if you cannot take the heat)
• 4 smoked jalapeno peppers, minced (lower this to 3 if you cannot take the heat)
• 4 cayenne peppers, minced (lower this to 3 if you cannot take the heat)
• 4 Thai ornamental peppers (lower this to 3 if you cannot take the heat)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbs chopped green onion
• 1 - 15 oz can chili beans
• 1 - 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 - 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 - 8 oz can tomato sauce
• 1 - 12 oz bottle of beer (Irish Stout or something dark and rich)
• 2 tbs cornmeal
• 1 cup water
• 3 tbs chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbs salt
• 1 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

• Cook ground pork and beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the meat is crumbled. Drain and discard excess grease (but a little left is ok).
• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Stir in the onion and all of the green pepper, habanero, jalapeno, cayenne and garlic. Cook and stir until the onion has softened and become translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir the drained meat into the mixture, then add he green onion, chili beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, beer and water. Sprinkle with cornmeal then season with the chili powder, cumin, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt and black pepper.
• Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low. Simmer for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Refrigerate overnight.
• Reheat the chili over medium heat until it begins to simmer. Serve and top with cheese and onion.

Comments:

• Reducing the peppers as noted in the recipe makes this dish extremely well rounded even to those who do not care for extra heat.

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