Chili Con Carne

Name: Chili Con Carne
Yield: serves 12
Ingredients: 1 pound dried pinto beans, soaked according to package directions; 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons corn oil; 3 1/2 pounds plum tomatoes (about 18); 2 1/2 pounds medium yellow onions (about 7), stem ends trimmed, quartered lengthwise with skins left on; 10 garlic cloves (skins left on); 4 mulato chiles; 3 ancho chiles; 1 14 1/2-ounce can low-sodium beef broth; 1 cup water; 5 pounds ground round or ground chuck; 1 tablespoon coarse salt; 2 ounces Mexican chocolate or semisweet chocolate, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; Lumpy Guacamole (recipe follows); 6 ripe Hass avocados; 1/4 cup fresh lime juice; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 4 plum tomatoes, finely diced; 1 medium onion, finely diced; 1 jalapeño pepper, minced (with seeds, if desired); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 1/4 teaspoons coarse salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, or to taste; (makes 6 cups)

January 26, 2012

You can control the heat of this chili by increasing or decreasing the number of chiles; be sure to have good ventilation over the stove when pan-roasting them. If you have two large cast-iron skillets, save time by using both at once. If you like, serve the chili with other traditional garnishes, such as shredded Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.

Recipe notes

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Brussels Sprout Pasta

This brussels sprout pasta recipe taps nutty brown butter, crunchy pecans, and hot Italian sausage to create an easy dinner bursting with fall flavors.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

French Silk Pie

A no-bake Oreo crust, a rich chocolate filling, and a tower of whipped cream come together in this shut-the-room-up dessert.