MMMMM----- Recipe via Meal-Master (tm) v8.06 Title: Frank X. Tolbert's Original Texas Chilli Categories: Beef, Chilies, Stews Yield: 6 Servings 4 Ancho chilies 8 sm Dried red chilies +=OR=+ 4 tb Chilli powder (spice mix) 4 tb Oil 3 lb Lean beef chuck; bite-size - pieces 1 c (to 2) beef stock 1/3 c Fine chopped garlic 1 lg Yellow onion; fine chopped 2 tb Ground cumin 1 tb Ground oregano Salt 1/2 c Hungarian sweet paprika 2 Fresh cilantro sprigs If using chilies, trim the stems and remove seeds. Place in a small saucepan and add water to barely cover. Bring to a boil, remove from the heat, cover and let stand for 15 minutes. Transfer the chilies and their soaking water to a blender or a food processor fitted with metal blade. Puree until smooth. Set aside. Brown half of the meat in a large skillet in the oil over high heat for 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer the meat & juices to a heavy pot and add the pureed chilies or chilli spice. Place over low heat and bring to a simmer. Meanwhile, brown the remaining beef in the same manner, then transfer it and the juices to the pot. Add enough stock or to just cover the meat. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Add the garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, salt, paprika and cilantro and continue to simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the meat is very tender, another 30 minutes. Add a little liquid if the mixture begins to stick or looks too dry. When the chilli is ready, using a large kitchen spoon, skim any fat from the surface. Ladle into bowls and serve. Note: There is an easy way to remove excess fat from this or any dish, but you have to make it ahead of time. Let the chilli cool, then refrigerate it for several hours or overnight. The excess fat will harden on the surface and be easy to remove. Then, reheat to serving temperature. FROM: www.texascooking.com Meal Master Format by Dave Drum - 19 April 1998 Uncle Dirty Dave's Archives MMMMM