VENISON CHILI WITH SNOWCAP BEANS

Venison Chili with Snowcap Beans image

Provided by Jane Stern

Yield Serves 6 to 8

Number Of Ingredients 21

For the beans:
16 ounces dried snowcap beans (found in gourmet or health food stores)
5 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon salt
For the chili:
8 dried ancho chiles
1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup chopped onions
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 1/2 pounds lean venison (or beef), cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/2 pounds sweet pork sausage, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons sugar
two 14 1/2-ounce cans whole tomatoes
2 tablespoons masa harina dissolved in 1/2 cup water

Steps:

Make the beans:
Soak the beans overnight. In the morning, pick out any bad ones and any stones. Wash the beans and place them in a large pot filled with water. Place the garlic, coriander seeds, and bay leaf in a cheesecloth bag or tea ball and add to the beans in the water. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook the beans 1 hour, until tender. Discard the spices. Drain the beans well and set aside while you make the chili. Add the salt.
Make the chili:
Place the chiles in a large heatproof bowl and cover with boiling water. Let stand 30 minutes, until soft; then seed and stem them. In a food processor or blender, puree the chiles with 1 cup water until smooth. Set aside.
In a large skillet, brown the bell pepper, onions, and garlic in 2 tablespoons of the oil until they are soft. Set aside.
In a large Dutch oven, brown the venison and sausage in the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil. Drain the excess fat. Add the bell pepper mixture along with the salt, pepper, oregano, cumin, sugar, and 3 cups water. Add the tomatoes, smashing each in the palm of your hand before adding it to the pot. Add the chile puree, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook, partially covered, at a low boil for 1 1/2 hours. Remove from the heat. Add the masa harina mixture, stirring to thicken the chili. Return the chili to the heat and cook 7 more minutes.
Serve in deep bowls atop a bed of snowcap beans.