BEEF CHILI WITH PANCETTA, ANCHO AND CHOCOLATE

Beef Chili with Pancetta, Ancho and Chocolate image

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 ancho chiles-stemmed, seeded and crumbled
4 ounces chopped pancetta
2 tablespoons oil
2 pounds ground beef
2 chopped large yellow onions
1 chopped green bell pepper
4 cloves minced garlic
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
12 ounces dark beer
2 15 ounce cans of pinto beans, drained
1 14 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
1 tablespoon cider vinegar

Steps:

1. Place the dried chiles in a bowl and pour 1 cup of boiling water over them. Let the chiles soak for 10 minutes. Transfer them to a blender and purée until smooth; set aside.
2. In a large heavy-bottomed 6-quart pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the pancetta and cook, stirring often, until the fat has rendered and the pancetta is crisp, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove the pancetta and transfer to a bowl.
3. Add the oil and increase the heat to high. Working in two batches, brown the beef, breaking it up using a wooden spoon, 2 to 3 minutes per batch. Remove the meat using a slotted spoon and transfer to the bowl with the pancetta.
4. Reduce the heat to medium high. Add the onions and pepper to the pot. Season with salt and cook, stirring often, until soft, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the garlic, chile powder, oregano, black pepper, cayenne and bay leaf and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the pot is very fragrant from the spices. Add the tomato paste and reserved meat and pancetta and cook for an additional 10 minutes. Add the reserved ancho chile purée, brown sugar, beer, beans, crushed tomatoes and chocolate and simmer over medium low heat for 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1½ hours, or until the flavors have melded together. Stir in the vinegar. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Serve the chili hot with avocado, cilantro, pickled jalapeños, cheddar, onion, lime and sour cream. Make ahead: Chili can be made 2 days ahead, then covered and chilled. Rewarm over low heat.