Chili in July

Sometimes nights in the PNW can be pretty chilly. Even in July. On nights like this, I usually crave soup, stew or chili.  This is my standby chili recipe. No fuss, and no beans.  If you don't like the taste of stout beer, don't make this chili. You'll hate it. If you do like beer, crack one open, take a sip and then dump the rest of the bottle in the pot.

Mocha Death Chili

1lb ground beef

1 small onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 can diced tomatoes

1T tomato paste(optional)

2T chili powder

1t salt

1t pepper

Heat 1T of oil in a pot on medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until translucent. Add ground beef and brown ground beef. Make sure the beef is broken apart in to small pieces. The smaller the bits of beef, the better. Add salt and pepper and chili powder

Add 1 can or bottle of dark beer. I used the ENTIRE 16oz bottle of Iron Horse brewery: Mocha Death. Add can of diced tomatoes and paste.

Reduce heat to medium low and simmer until almost all the liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes

I use this chili to top hot dogs, cornbread or even Frito's. Top with diced raw onion or cheddar cheese.