¼ cup high-quality chili powder (or more to taste)
6 pound tomatoes (three 2 pound cans) (drained and chopped)
1/3 cup tomato paste
1 ½ tablespoon minced fresh oregano
3 tablespoon cumin seed
Salt to taste
Cayenne pepper (to taste)
Masa Harina or cornmeal (if needed)
Directions
Directions
In a large heavy skillet over moderately high heat, warm 3 tablespoons of the oil. Brown beef in batches, adding more oil as necessary and transferring meat with a slotted spoon to a large stockpot when well browned. Do not crowed skillet.
Reduce heat to moderately low. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened (about 10 minutes). Add to stockpot along with broth, beer, the water, chili powder, tomato, tomato paste and oregano.
In a small skillet over low heat, toast cumin seed until fragrant; do not allow to burn. Grind in an electric mini chopper or with a mortar and pestle. Add to stockpot.
Over high heat bring mixture to a simmer. Add salt, cayenne and more chili powder to taste. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook, partially covered until beef is tender (about 1 ½ hours). Check occasionally and add more broth if mixture seems dry. If chili is too thin when meat is tender, stir in up to 2 tablespoons masa Harina. Cook an additional 5 minutes to thicken. Serve chili hot.
