Austin-Style Chili

By LeeBoruchow

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cumin seeds
• 1 tbsp coriander seeds
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 lbs ground pheasant
• Kosher salt
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, sliced
• 2 red bell peppers, diced
• 2 tbsp cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 12-oz bottles porter beer
• 1 7-oz can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, pureed
• 1 habanero chile pepper

Details

Adapted from creativityismessy.files.wordpress.com

Preparation

Step 1

Toast the cumin and coriander seeds in a skillet over medium heat. Transfer to a bowl to cool, then grind in a spice grinder.

Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add half of the ground chicken and season with salt; cook, stirring, until the meat is browned, about 6 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate using a slotted spoon. Repeat with the remaining olive oil and chicken; transfer to the plate.

Add the onion, garlic and bell peppers to the pot; season with salt and cook, stirring, until aromatic but not caramelized, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the ground cumin and coriander, the cayenne and paprika; cook 30 seconds. Stir in the tomato paste and cook 30 more seconds.

Deglaze the pot with the beer, using a wooden spoon to scrape the bottom of the pot. Return the chicken to the pot and stir to incorporate. Stir in the pureed chipotle chiles and 2 cups water. Cut a slit in one side of the habanero and add it to the pot. Reduce the heat to low, partially cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, 2 hours. (Add more water if the chili is too thick.) Remove the habanero before serving.