This East Texas Red Chili is a bold, hearty dish that relies on the deep, smoky heat of dried ancho chili peppers rather than beans or tomatoes as the base. The secret ingredient, a square of milk chocolate, adds a velvety richness and subtle sweetness that balances the spice perfectly. With slow-simmered ground meat, aromatic spices like cumin and oregano, and a thick, robust texture, this chili is a true comfort food classic. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, potlucks, or any time you crave a flavorful, satisfying meal that tastes even better the next day.
East Texas Red Chili
Description
This East Texas Red Chili is a bold, hearty dish that relies on the deep, smoky heat of dried ancho chili peppers rather than beans or tomatoes as the base. The secret ingredient, a square of milk chocolate, adds a velvety richness and subtle sweetness that balances the spice perfectly. With slow-simmered ground meat, aromatic spices like cumin and oregano, and a thick, robust texture, this chili is a true comfort food classic. It&# 226;ÂÂs perfect for chilly evenings, potlucks, or any time you crave a flavorful, satisfying meal that tastes even better the next day.Ingredients
Directions
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Finely chop the onions and mince the garlic powder.
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Heat the oil in a large 5 to 6-quart pot over medium heat.
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Add the ground meat and chopped onions to the pot.
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Sauté, breaking up the meat and stirring frequently until browned.
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Stir in the garlic powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, and salt.
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Pour in the can of tomato sauce and stir to combine.
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Chop the whole tomatoes into large pieces and add them to the mixture.
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In a separate small saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
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Add the dried ancho chili peppers to the boiling water.
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Let the peppers steep until soft, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
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Drain the peppers and transfer them to a blender.
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Puree the peppers until smooth.
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Pour the pureed pepper mixture into the meat pot.
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Rinse the blender with the remaining 1 cup of water and add that liquid to the pot.
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Break the milk chocolate bar into pieces and stir it into the chili.
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Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 10
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 696.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 37.0g57%
- Saturated Fat 5.7g29%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 5235.6mg219%
- Total Carbohydrate 109.0g37%
- Dietary Fiber 77.6g311%
- Sugars 19.2g
- Protein 29.8g60%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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