Galley Wench's Spice-Sea Chili

Galley Wench's Note:

UPDATE 9/09 Finished! This has been a work in progress, but I finally found the perfect formula for chili . . . spicy, but not mouth burning hot! Can't wait for the next chili cook-off!

• Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 lb ground beef, lean
• 1/2 lb lean pork sausage (I use Jimmy Dean)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, divided
• 1 large fresh poblano pepper, diced
• 1 medium diced onion
• 2 garlic cloves (pressed)
• 1 chipotle chile, in adobo seasoning (diced and seeded, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon ground ancho chili (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon cocoa (I use Hershey's Dark cocoa)
• 12 ounces beer, dark (or broth, use as needed)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped (optional)
• 1 lime, juce of

Garnish

• cilantro cream (Cilantro Cream)
• sour cream
• cilantro

Directions:

1. In a large pot brown ground beef, sausage, onion and garlic, breaking meat into small pieces. Drain of excess grease.
2. Add poblano pepper and cook for about 2 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, brown sugar, 1 cup beer and one can of black beans.
4. Add ground cumin, chili powders, chipoltes, adobe sauce, oregeano, and cocoa.
5. Bring to a boil, cover and turn down to a simmer and cook for 35 - 45 minutes, adding additional beer or broth as needed (keep in mind that the mashed black beans will be added as a thickner).
6. Drain the remaining can of beans and lightly mash.
7. To thicken, add the crushed black beans and adjust spices and liquid as needed.
8. Bring to a simmer again for 5 minutes; squeeze in juice of one lime before serving.
9. Garnish with Cilantro Cream Recipe http://www.recipezaar.com/171578.
10. Serve with cornbread or tortillas.

Reviews

[Love to Eat!!]

Really good chili. I was craving chili but hate stereotypical boring chili. This fit the bill. I like the nod to Mexican/Latin American flavors. I made as instructed except used 4 chipotles and simmered a bit longer. Love the name as well. Don't forget the Cilantro Creme. Thanks for posting!!

[SusieQusie]

A totally different chili than what I've always eaten. I enjoyed the blend of flavors, especially the beer. 3 chipotles was perfect heat for us. I also made Cilantro Cream to go on top - loved it! Never thought of sour cream on chili. You're so smart ;-) Thanks, Diana, for sharing your recipe!