TEXAS-STYLE CHILI

Texas-Style Chili image

Yield Makes about 8 cups, serving 6

Number Of Ingredients 11

1/4 pound bacon, chopped
3 medium onions, chopped
8 garlic cloves, minced
1/3 cup medium-hot pure chili powder*
1 tablespoon ground cumin
4 pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
5 cups water
2 teaspoons dried orégano, crumbled
2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon cornmeal
*Available at some specialty foods shops

Steps:

In a large heavy kettle cook the bacon over moderate heat, stirring, until it is crisp, add the onions and the garlic, and cook the mixture, stirring, until the onions are softened. Add the chili powder and the cumin and cook the mixture, stirring, for 30 seconds. Add the beef, the water, the oregano, and the salt and simmer the mixture, uncovered, adding more water if necessary to keep the beef barely covered, for 2 to 2 1/2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir in the cornmeal and simmer the chili, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes, or until it is thickened slightly. The chili may be frozen or made 4 days in advance, cooled, uncovered, and kept covered and chilled.