Dish for Gish... redux

It is that time of the semester again,  where I cajole undergraduates into watching a three-hour sillent film celebrating the rise of the Ku Klux Klan with the promise of a hot meal. This is a larger class than  the last, and this time around, it should be a different kind of scene. (A friend from our local asked if he could join; one of my students is bringing his girlfriend.) In all, it should be close to a score of film lovers packed into our living room, which would be a lot of London broil.

Instead, chili. But not just any chili. This is a chili that I first made for the 1999 ALCS Pedro vs. Roger shootout (Red Sox 13, Yankees 1). This chili is undefeated in three AFC championship appearances. I have seen fifteen pounds worth of this chili vanish in under ten minutes. This chili is a difference-maker. I am hoping that it may even change the outcome of Birth of a Nation. I would not bet against a fifth-reel appearance by Pam Grier toting an AR-15. The receipt follows:

Craig Claiborne’s Het Het Beef Chili con Carne with Meat. Refined by me.

Best to cook night or 2 before, and reheat.

5 lbs Lean Chuck Roast—so called “seven bone” is a good cut—do not be beguiled into buying a cut that is too expensive or too lean.
1/2 c. Olive Oil
1/2 c. Coarse Korean Chili Powder
1/2 c. Quaker Oatmeal
2 Tsp. Cumin Seeds
2 Tsp. Dried Oregano

10-12 Garlic Cloves, chopped.

4 c. Beef Broth (traditional—I have come to prefer less salty chicken broth in a box, like Pacific)

(Sherry, Diced Onions, Sour Cream, Grated Cheddar Cheese, pref Cabot extra  sharp.)

 

Method:

Dice meat in 1” cubes.

Get broth to simmer in soup pot.

Brown meat in big skillet.

Combine chili powder and oatmeal in food processor, and process unti oatmeal is petty floury.

Coat meat with chili-oats.

Rub cumin and oregano together over meat, mix.

Add garlics.

Add to simmering broth, add water to cover almost, if needed.

Bring to boil, then lower heat.

Simmer partly covered, 3-4 hours, adding water as needed.

Stir now and then, and watch out.

Cook til very tender, but not falling apart.

Add sherry if you want near the end.

Serve with Beans, and the things you serve it with. [Onions, Grated cheddar, sour cream.]

 

Beans.

1 Lb. Pinto beans.

1 big onion.

1/2 lb. salt pork.

Soak beans for an hour. Drain.

Rinse, cover with 2+ inches of water, add pork and diced onions.

Cook 2-3 hours. Do not burn.

Vegetarian variation: Lie to them about the pork.

This is one from the archives, but you get the idea. I'll let you know what happens.

Comments

[BK]

I can vouch for this one. So damn tasty (but deceivingly filling) I'd almost sit through Birth of a Nation for it.