Spicy Red Pork & Bean Chili

[kirra]

Spicy Red Pork & Bean Chili

This recipe works best with ordinary chili powder, which typically includes not only ground dried chiles but other spices as well. Pure chile powder will be too strong. Chili may be made 2 days ahead, cooled completely, then chilled, covered. Reheat before serving. Onion, cilantro sprigs, and lime wedges can be prepared up to 6 hours ahead and chilled in separate sealed plastic bags.

Ingredients:

1/2 pound sliced bacon
4 pound boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 large white onion, chopped
1 to 2 fresh jalapeno chiles, seeded and chopped
4 large garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
1/3 cup chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 (14-ounce) can beef broth
1 cup brewed coffee
1 cup water
1 (28 to 32-ounce) can crushed tomatoes with puree
2 (19-ounce) cans small red beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Preparation:

Accompaniments: toasted, salted pumpkin seeds, chopped red onion, torn fresh cilantro sprigs, diced avocado, lime wedges, sour cream, and warmed corn chips or tortilla chips

Cook bacon in a 6 to 8-quart heavy pot over moderate heat, turning, until crisp. Transfer with tongs to paper towels to drain and pour off all but 2 tablespoons fat from pot. Crumble bacon. Pat pork dry and season with salt and pepper. Add oil to pot and heat over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking. Brown pork in about 6 batches without crowding and transfer with a slotted spoon to a plate. Add onion and jalapenos and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened. Add garlic, oregano, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne, then cook, stirring, 1 minute. Return pork to pot with any juices accumulated on plate and add broth, coffee, water, and tomatoes with puree.

Simmer chili, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until pork is very tender, about 2 hours. Stir in beans and bring to a simmer, stirring.

Serve chili with bacon and accompaniments.