"A" Chili Recipe

SERVINGS: 8
DIETARY: Dairy Free, Gluten Free
DIFFICULTY: Very Easy
PREP/COOK TIME: 20 min/90 min

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Chili

• 2 lbs. ground sirloin
• 1 tbsp. oil (I used coconut oil)
• 4 poblano peppers, small dice
• 1 yellow onion, small dice
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 30 oz. chicken stock
• 8 oz. tomato paste
• 16 oz. diced tomatoes (preferably canned)
• 4 tbsp. chili powder
• 1 tbsp. chipotle chili powder
• 2 tbsp. ground oregano
• 2 tbsp. cumin
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 dried Arbol chili 
• 1-2 cans kidney beans
• salt and pepper

Optional Toppings

• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Jalepeno
• Lime Juice

1. Place a large pot or dutch oven on the stove on medium heat. Once the pot is hot, add the ground sirloin. Break up with a spoon so you get small chunks and cook until pink is gone, about 4-5 min.
2. Once meat is brown, add the poblano peppers, onion, and garlic. Cook the mixture until veggies begin to "sweat," around 2-3 min. 
3. Add the spices (chili powder, chipotle chili powder, ground oregano, cumin), mix around until incorporated. Once incorporated, add the tomato paste. Cook mixture for an additional 3 min so the tin flavor is gone from the tomato paste. Season with some salt and pepper.
4. From there pour the diced tomatoes, mix, then add the chicken stock. When liquid comes to a simmer (almost to a boil) add the Arbol chili, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Bring liquid to a boil, lower heat to low heat, and place the cover on the pot. Slow cook anywhere from 1-2 hours (the longer you cook it, the more tender the meat and more flavorful the stock). 
5. After time has elapsed, remove the lid and heavily season with salt (add more than you think since there is a lot of liquid and tomatoes can intake quite a bit of salt because of acidity).
6. Stir one last time and remove from heat to slightly cool.
7. Once the mixture is not crazy hot, ladle into a bowl and add whatever toppings you want (I like vibrant fresh toppings to balance the deepness of the chili). Perfect for tailgates and the NFL playoffs!