Up North Chili Recipes

NORTH AFRICAN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• To make the North African Sauce:
• In a large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat and saute the onion and garlic until soft but not brown, about 3 minutes. Add the lemon zest and olives and cook for 1 more minute. Add the white wine, deglaze the pan, and let it reduce for a 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the stock, canned tomatoes, sugar, red pepper flakes, and cinnamon, and simmer to blend flavors, about 7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• To make the Meatballs: In a medium bowl, add the egg and tomato paste and stir until smooth. Add the cilantro, ginger, cumin, and cinnamon and mix until well blended. Stir in the ground beef and oats, season with salt and pepper, to taste, and combine gently after each addition. Do not overmix. Rolling with your hands, make about 32 meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
• In a large saute pan, heat 3 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat, and brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides. Add more oil, as needed. Transfer the meatballs to the pan with the sauce and let simmer for 20 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve over the Couscous with Dried Dates.
• Couscous with Dried Dates:
• Bring the water, stock, and oil to a boil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the dates followed by the couscous. Cover the pan tightly with a lid, remove from the heat, and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Transfer to a serving bowl and serve.
• Yield: 4 servings

U.P. NORTH CHILI

Steps:

• Brown ground sirloin very well; add chopped onion.
• Cook until tender.
• Add the chili mix and the sugar.
• Add the sloppy joe mix.
• Add the drained kidney beans, stewed tomatoes (chopped up), and the water.
• After it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low; add the pasta.
• Simmer until the pasta is tender.
• Serve with crackers or cornbread.

VEGETARIAN CHILI WITH RED LENTILS

Steps:

• Heat the 2 tsp. olive oil on medium-high in a 3.5 qt. Dutch oven or other large pot. Add onion, peppers, and carrots and saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add minced garlic and cook 1-2 minutes more while stirring.
• Sprinkle chili powder and ancho chili powder over the hot vegetables and mix in thoroughly.
• Stir in chopped fresh tomatoes and bring to boil. Reduce heat to bring the mixture to a simmer, cover and cook for about 10 minutes.
• Remove cover. Pour in red wine, lentils, water, black beans, kidney beans, and black olives. Simmer on medium-low for about another 20 minutes until lentils and soft and tender.
• Serve immediately with Cilantro Lime Crema or sour cream.

UP NORTH CHILI

Steps:

• In a large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil and brown the meat, about 3 minutes on each side. Remove the meat. Add the garlic, onion, and chiles and cook until soft. Return the meat to the pot. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, cayenne, beer, and coffee. Simmer meat, uncovered, at a low temperature for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, until the meat can be shredded with a fork. Do not let meat dry out; add beer as necessary. When ready, remove meat to a cutting board and shred, returning the shredded meat to the pot. Add tomatoes and kidney beans. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for 1 hour. Serve garnished either with a dollop of sour cream and chopped green onions or grated cheddar cheese and chopped red onions.