Okay, so I'm cheating on this one. I'm all right with that once in a while, though.
As a chili afficionado and chef since I left home at the tender age of 17, I've experimented with various iterations of the venerable chili recipe. Below is one of my favorites.
The reason I say it's cheating is that it uses a pre-made chili mix, which many purists might consider cutting corners. There's a reason I like it, though.
Carol Shelby knew cars. Heck, the Shelby Cobra set the standard for style and horsepower that's still copied today.
Carol Shelby knows chili, too. That's why I like this recipe.
One packet Carol Shelby's Chili Mix
Two cans (30 ounces) black beans
Two pounds diced and pre-browned sirloin steak
Two cans (30 ounces) tomato sauce
One-half medium onion, finely chopped
Two cups water
One tablespoon brown sugar
Seasoning salt to taste
Sour cream and shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese for topping
Now here's the real secret ingredient:
300 horsepower chili - three dried cayenne peppers
400 horsepower chili - four dried cayenne peppers
500 horsepower chili - five dried cayenne peppers
Brown diced steak in olive or cooking oil and remove steak. Brown onions in remaining oil. Put steak, onions and remaining ingredients except for sour cream and shredded cheese in a slow cooker and put on high. After three or four hours (after it starts to bubble) serve with sour cream and cheese.
I stopped at 500 horsepower because I don't want to be responsible for anyone blowing their engine.
Happy eating!