Pork and a combination of dried chilies–Guajillo, Ancho, Japones– turn up the heat in this spicy chili recipe that is perfect for a late night supper under the stars. The recipe also uses Masa Harina which is made from hominy to give it a distinct flavor. (You can use regular flour as a substitute.) Chef-inspired by the southwest, prepared for outdoor, seasonal eating in California.
Preparation
Ingredients:
4 lbs. pork butt, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
Kosher salt
2 Guajillo dried chilies, stems and seeds removed
2 Ancho dried chilies, stems and seeds removed
4 cups beef stock
6 Japones chilies, stems and seeds removed
1 ounce Piloncillo or dark brown sugar
1/2 lb. bacon, diced
1 whole yellow onion, diced
3 whole garlic, peeled, crushed and chopped coarsely
1/2 cup Masa Harina*
2 large ripe tomatoes, diced
8 ounces tomato sauce
Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper
1 large red onion, diced finely
*Epicurean Tip: Unique Ingredients Up the Taste Ante
Masa Harina is made from hominy and has a very distinct flavor. I prefer it for my chili, but any type of flour may be used as a replacement.
Instructions
Directions:
Spread the diced pork on a non-reactive sheet pan and sprinkle with kosher salt. Cover with plastic and place in the refrigerator.
Hold the dried, cleaned Ancho and Guajillo chilies with a pair of tongs over an open flame until toasted. Place in a small saucepan and add 2 cups of the beef stock.
Heat a skillet over high heat and add the Japones chiles. Stir and toss over high heat until well toasted. Remove from skillet and add to saucepan. Bring the saucepan to a boil over high heat and then drop to a low simmer. Cook the chiles until very tender. Take off the heat and add the Piloncillo. Stir to dissolve. Pour all contents into a high-speed blender and purée until smooth. Set aside.
Place a large cast-iron Dutch oven on the stove over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until the bacon is brown and the fat is rendered. Add the yellow onion and garlic and cook until tender.
Pour the Masa Harina over the diced pork and toss until well coated. Add the pork to the Dutch oven and brown, being careful to scrape the bottom of the pot each time you stir. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato sauce and stir until smooth. Add the remaining two cups of the beef stock and stir until smooth, continuing to scrape the bottom of the pot. Bring to a boil and simmer slowly until the pork is fork tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Add kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste.
To serve:
Ladle chili into 8 bowls. Serve immediately. Serve diced red onions on the side as an optional topping.
About this recipe
Recipe courtesy of Chef Rey Hernandez, Co-founder and VP, Epicurean Group. Read more here.
