I
usually watch one football game each year - the Super bowl. And I
really get involved in this one game. Although I choose a team to root
for, the winner is not as important to me as a good game. Like
everyone else, I am glued to my TV for all of the afternoon glory
including commercials and halftime.
California chili is
great fare for Super bowl Sunday. It is a spicy, meaty dish with
tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Because this dish takes time to prepare
and I don't want to miss anything, I do some of the prep the day before.
Trim, chop and refrigerate the beef (step 1)
Simmer the tomatoes, onions, and celery (step 2)
Sauté the onion, pepper, and garlic (step 3).
I finish it up early in the morning, so the flavors can meld by game time.
1 large can of tomatoes or 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and coarsely chopped
1½ cups water
1 large onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
1 green pepper, seeded and chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
4 tablespoons bacon drippings
3 pounds chuck roast, trimmed or similar cut of beef
1 tablespoon flour
5 tablespoons chili powder (Spice Island brand)
2 bay leaves
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 cup pitted ripe olives, coarsely chopped
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1. Cut into beef into ¼-inch cubes. (You will probably trim ¼-½ pound of fat away)
2. Simmer
the tomatoes, water, 1 large onion, celery, salt and pepper for one
hour in all - 30 minutes covered and another 30 minutes uncovered
3. In
a large Dutch oven, sauté the medium onion, green pepper, and garlic in
the bacon drippings for 3—5 minutes over moderate heat.
4. With a slotted spoon remove the vegetables from the pan and set aside.
5. Add the meat and brown over moderate—high heat for 5—8 minutes.
6. Add more oil if necessary.
7. Add the flour to the browned meat.
8. Simmer 2 minutes.
9. Add vegetable mixture, spices, and vinegar.
10. Add tomato sauce.
11. Cover and simmer 2 hours.
12. Add olives and cheese and simmer an additional 45 minutes. Remove bay leaves.
Serve with:
Chopped onions
Avocado slices
Sour Cream
Tossed Green Salad
Cornbread or tortilla chips (it's even better if you fry your own!)