Big Al’s Whiskey Infused Chili
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds stew meat cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 pound Italian sausage casing removed, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 6 cups beef stock
- 26 ounces Italian plum tomatoes
- 1 large green bell pepper chopped
- 1 large red bell pepper chopped
- 1 large Spanish onion chopped
- 6 Ancho peppers chopped
- 4 jalapeno peppers chopped (seeds removed)
- 8 cloves garlic chopped
- 4 bay leaves
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons oregano
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon crushed basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup whiskey
- ¼ cup virgin olive oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine half of the herbs and spices, 4 cloves of chopped garlic, 4 cups of beef broth, and 1 cup of whiskey.
- Add the stew meat and Italian sausage pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are covered by the liquid.
- Add more beef broth if necessary.
- Marinate the mixture in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 12 hours, covered tightly.
- The next day, in a 5-quart stockpot, heat 1/4 cup of olive oil over medium heat.
- Remove the marinated meat from the refrigerator and using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to the pot, reserving the marinade.
- Chop the onion, red and green bell peppers, Ancho peppers, and jalapeno peppers (seeded).
- Add them to the pot with the remaining chopped garlic.
- Cover and sweat the ingredients for 5 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add the marinated meat to the pot and brown for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour in the reserved marinade, remaining beef broth, and remaining herbs and spices.
- Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the plum tomatoes (peeled) and drained kidney beans to the pot.
- Cover and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust seasoning to taste during cooking.
- Remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Serve the chili with warm crusty bread, chopped red and green bell peppers, chopped Spanish onions, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and oyster crackers.
- Pair with a hearty red wine such as Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Chianti.
- Cold beer also complements the chili well.