MJ’s ‘Up North’ Chili

• Extra virgin olive oil
• 2 pounds ground sirloin (or beef chuck, trimmed, if you prefer)
• 6 to 8 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large white onion, coarsely chopped
• 1 small can of green chili’s
• 6 tablespoons chili powder
• 4 tablespoons ground cumin
• 4 tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 6 - 8 dashes cayenne pepper, more if desired
• 2 (12 ounce) cans beer
• 1 cup strong black coffee
• 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with puree
• 1 large tomato - coarsely chopped
• 3 (15-ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• Sour cream, for garnish
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for garnish
• Red onions, chopped, for garnish
• Limes, wedged, for garnish
• Oyster crackers or sliced baguette, for garnish

In a 5 quart pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the meat, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove the meat. Add the garlic and onion, cook until soft. Return the meat to the pot. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne, 1 can of beer (use rule #486; one for the pot, one for me…), green chili’s, crushed tomatoes and coffee. Simmer uncovered at a low temperature for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Stir occassionally. Don’t let it dry out, add beer as necessary (see rule #486). Add chopped tomato, kidney beans and second can of beer. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour.

Serve garnished with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, squeeze of lime, or chopped red onions. Or all of the above.

Thanks to Common Place Book