"Bowl of Red" Texas Chili

By John Mitzewich

Photo © Flickr user Vox_Efx

Apparently Texans take their chili very seriously.
Here is a quote from Lyndon B. Johnson regarding
the subject:"Chili concocted outside of Texas is 
usually a weak, apologetic imitation of the real 
thing. One of the first things I do when I get 
home to Texas is to have a bowl of red. There 
is simply nothing better."

Serves 12

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 3 tablespoon Ancho chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 2 cups canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 1/2 cups water
• 1 teaspoon corn meal
• Salt to taste

Preparation:

1. In a Dutch oven, on medium heat, brown the ground beef and onion until meat is lightly browned.
2. Add chili powder, garlic, oregano, cumin, tomatoes, cayenne, salt, corn meal, and water. Bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 1 hour. Remove from heat. Skim off any grease that come to the surface before serving.