Recipe: Authentic Texas Border Chili

Title: Authentic Texas Border Chili
Categories: Chili
Servings: 12

3 Tomatoes,med
1 Onion,Burmuda,lg,fine chop
1/4 t Oregano,dried,pref. Mexican
2 t Paprika
5 Garlic cloves,lg,fine chop
4 lb Beef shank,coarse grind
1 T Lard,butter,or bacon dripins
4 Scallions,in bunches,chopped
5 Bell pepper(s)
5 Serrano chiles,fresh
1 lb Chorizo sausage or
1 lb Sausage,hot,non-Italian
4 Garlic cloves,med,fine chop
2 t Salt
4 T Red chile,hot,ground
4 T Red chile,mild,ground
3 T Cumin seeds
Beer
Water

1. Puree the first four ingredients plus one clove of the garlic in a
blender or food processor (using the steel blade). Scrape the mixture into
a large heavy pot and add the beef.~ 2. Melt the lard, butter, or bacon
drippings in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the scallions, bell
peppers, serrano chiles, sausage, and the remaining garlic, and cook until
the onions are translucent and the sausage is browned.~ 3. Place the cumin
seeds in a 300' oven for a few minutes until lightly browned. Remove seeds
from the oven and crush them with a mallet. Stir the vegetables into the
beef and tomato mixture. Add the salt ground chile, cumin, and enough water
or beer to cover. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the
heat and simmer, uncovered for 4 to 6 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings.~