We asked Fishers Firefighter Will Ortiz for the special recipe from the Fishers Fire Foundation’s Chili Cookout, and he let us is on the award-winning “Smoke Showing Chili” recipe.
Award-Winning Smoke Showing Chili Recipe
Feeds about 10 people and spiciness can be adjusted as desired.
Ingredients:
- 4 ounces died ancho chiles stems and seeds removed and flesh torn into 1-inch pieces
- 6 cups chicken stock/broth
- 2 (28-ounce) can whole peeled tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 2 pounds 85% lean ground beef
- 2 pounds Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, chopped fine or grated
- 2 jalapeno peppers (remove seeds to lower the heat)
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoon dried oregano
- 4 teaspoons ground coriander
- 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 4 (15-ounce) cans beans, rinsed (we used red kidney and pinto beans)
- 1 tablespoon masa flour (or cornstarch) mixed with water to make a slurry (if needed to thicken chili)
Instructions
- Combine ancho chilis and 2 cups water in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until softened, about 2 1/2 to 3 minutes. Drain and discard liquid.
- Place ancho chilis, tomatoes and their juice, and remaining 2 cups water, in a blender and process until smooth, about 1 minute. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a Dutch oven until oil starts to smoke. Add ground beef, sausage and break up into small chunks using a wooden spoon, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper and cook until well-browned. Drain meat in a colander and set aside.
- Heat remaining oil in Dutch oven and add onions and jalapenos with seeds. Cook for approximately 5 minutes, until onion is nicely browned. Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, oregano, coriander, and cayenne and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add in beans, ancho-tomato mixture, and beef and return to a simmer. Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook 50 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Garnish with sour cream and fried tortilla strips.
Will Ortiz is the president of the Fishers Fire Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit, all volunteer group that supports FFD firefighters. Learn more on their website.
Looking for more soup ideas and recipes? Check out National Soup Month: Top Picks in Fishers.
