World Flavors Cookbook

Texas Red Chili (No Beans)

The official state dish of Texas: a thick, robust stew of beef chuck and dried chilies — strictly no beans or tomatoes allowed.

Cuisine: United States

Ingredients

• 4 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 6 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 4 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 1 onion, finely diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 4 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp masa harina
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Toast dried chilies in a dry pan, then soak in hot water for 20 minutes; blend with a little soaking liquid into a paste.
2. Brown beef cubes in batches in a large pot.
3. Sauté onion and garlic in the rendered fat.
4. Add chili paste, beef, broth, cumin, and oregano.
5. Simmer uncovered for 2.5 to 3 hours until beef is tender.
6. Stir in masa harina mixed with water to thicken the "red" sauce.