Rick Bayless Chili Recipes

LAMB CHILI WITH MUSHROOMS (RICK BAYLESS)

Steps:

• Roast the unpeeled garlic on an ungreased griddle or heavy skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until soft and blackened in spots, about 15 minutes; cool and peel.
• While the garlic is roasting, stem and seed the chiles.
• Toast the chiles on another side of the griddle or skillet, 1 or 2 at a time, opening them out flat and pressing them down firmly with a spatula.
• In a few seconds, when they crackle, flip them and press down to toast the other side.
• In a small bowl, cover the chiles with hot water, and let them rehydrate for 30 minutes, stirring frequently to insure even soaking.
• Drain.
• In a food processor or blender, combine the chiles and a 1/2 cup of water, along with the garlic, oregano, black pepper and cumin.
• Blend to a smooth puree, scraping down and stirring frequently (add more water if the mixture won't move through the blender).
• With a rubber spatula, press the chile mixture through a medium-mesh strainer into a bowl.
• Heat the oil in a 4-quart pot over medium-high heat.
• When hot, add the lamb and brown thoroughly, about 8 minutes.
• Add the chile puree and stir for about 5 minutes as the mixture thickens.
• Stir in beef broth and simmer until lamb is tender, about 2 hours.
• Add mushrooms, epazote, hot sauce and masa harina.
• Partially cover and simmer gently over medium-low, stirring frequently, until mushrooms are soft and the sauce has reduced to coat the meat rather thickly, about 30 minutes.
• Taste and season with salt.

RED CHILE STEAK WITH BEANS

Steps:

• Seed the chiles and toast in a large, dry skillet over medium heat until aromatic, 10 seconds per side. Rehydrate by placing in a large bowl and covering with hot tap water; weigh them down with a plate to keep submerged, 30 minutes.
• Heat the oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over high heat. Add the cubed meat to the pan in a single layer; do not crowd the pan. Season the meat with salt. Stir and turn regularly until browned all over, about 4 minutes.
• Drain the chiles and place in a blender along with 1 cup of water (use the soaking liquid if it doesn't taste bitter). Purée until smooth. Meanwhile, remove the browned meat from the skillet to cool. Slice the onion and add to the skillet; cook, stirring regularly, until onion softens and begin to brown, 4-5 minutes.
• Strain the chile purée into a medium bowl. Mince and add the garlic to the skillet and toss until aromatic, about 1 minute; transfer to the plate with the beef.
• In the same skillet, over high heat, add ¼ cup of the chile purée and cook, stirring constantly, until no longer "raw" in flavor; it should be the consistency of tomato paste. Add the cumin, oregano, tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.
• Add the meat and onions to the pan, along with the strained beans. Simmer to heat through, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and stir. Transfer to bowl and serve. Optional: Add the sugar to round out the flavors if necessary.