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Cal Chili

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This Cal Chili is a robust, hearty dish that bridges the gap between traditional American chili and Mexican mole-inspired stews. It features a luxurious blend of coarse-ground beef and country-style pork sausage, simmered with pinto beans until tender. The flavor profile is deeply savory and aromatic, thanks to a complex spice mix including anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin, balanced by the acidity of vinegar and lemon juice. A touch of dark chocolate and toasted almonds adds a velvety texture and subtle sweetness, while dried red chiles provide a gentle, lingering heat. This slow-cooked masterpiece is perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or when you crave a comforting, protein-packed meal with incredible depth of flavor.
Cooking Method: , ,
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4
Calories: 888
Description
This Cal Chili is a robust, hearty dish that bridges the gap between traditional American chili and Mexican mole-inspired stews. It features a luxurious blend of coarse-ground beef and country-style pork sausage, simmered with pinto beans until tender. The flavor profile is deeply savory and aromatic, thanks to a complex spice mix including anise, cinnamon, cloves, and cumin, balanced by the acidity of vinegar and lemon juice. A touch of dark chocolate and toasted almonds adds a velvety texture and subtle sweetness, while dried red chiles provide a gentle, lingering heat. This slow-cooked masterpiece is perfect for cold evenings, family gatherings, or when you crave a comforting, protein-packed meal with incredible depth of flavor.
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Pinto beans, dried
  • 5 cups Water
  • 2 tablespoons Lard
  • 1 tablespoon Bacon drippings
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 12 ounces Pork sausage, country-style
  • 1 pound Beef, coarse grind
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Anise
  • 1/2 teaspoon Coriander seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon Fennel seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cloves, ground
  • 1 stick Cinnamon, ground
  • 1 teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 whole Nutmeg, ground
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 2 teaspoons Oregano, dried, preferably Mexican
  • 4 tablespoons Sesame seeds
  • 1 cup Almonds, blanched, skins removed
  • 12 whole Red chiles, dried
  • 1 1/2 cups Chile caribe
  • 1 1/2 ounces Milk chocolate, small pieces
  • 1 can (6 oz) Tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Vinegar
  • 3 teaspoons Lemon juice
  • 1 soft Tortilla, chopped
Directions
  1. 1
    Rinse the dried pinto beans and soak them in a bowl with 2 to 3 cups of water overnight.
  2. 2
    The next day, pour the soaked beans and their soaking water into a heavy saucepan, then add 2 to 3 more cups of fresh water.
  3. 3
    Bring the beans to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low and simmer, partially covered, for about 45 minutes until tender but firm.
  4. 4
    Drain the cooked beans, reserving the cooking liquid for later use.
  5. 5
    In a heavy skillet, melt the lard over medium heat and lightly fry the drained beans until slightly toasted; set aside.
  6. 6
    In a large heavy pot, melt the bacon drippings over medium heat.
  7. 7
    Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent and soft.
  8. 8
    In a bowl, combine the country-style pork sausage and coarse-ground beef with garlic, anise, coriander, fennel, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, paprika, nutmeg, cumin, and oregano.
  9. 9
    Add the meat and spice mixture to the pot with the onions.
  10. 10
    Break up the meat with a fork and cook, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly browned.
  11. 11
    Stir in the fried beans, reserved bean cooking liquid, sesame seeds, blanched almonds, dried red chiles, chile caribe, milk chocolate, tomato paste, vinegar, lemon juice, and chopped tortilla.
  12. 12
    Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  13. 13
    Add additional water if needed to maintain a chunky soup consistency.
  14. 14
    Taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 888kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 39.1g61%
Saturated Fat 11.6g58%
Cholesterol 62.8mg21%
Sodium 833.1mg35%
Total Carbohydrate 106.3g36%
Dietary Fiber 10.5g42%
Sugars 84.3g
Protein 31.0g62%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: cal chili, mexican chili, pork sausage, ground beef, pinto beans, dark chocolate, almonds, dried chiles, spiced chili, hearty stew, comfort food, slow cooked, mole flavor, bacon drippings, cinnamon chili, anise spice, family dinner, protein rich, winter meal, complex flavor
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/cal-chili/