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aurora_borealis_chili [2023/05/02 11:10] – created Jonathan Monginaurora_borealis_chili [2025/01/22 09:53] (current) Jonathan Mongin
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 +====== Aurora Borealis Chili ======  
 +Aurora Borealis Chili is a dish that captures the vibrant and fiery spirit of the Northern Lights. Its spice blend is a fusion of bold, smoky, and earthy flavors, paired with the richness of ground beef and sliced Andouille sausage for a hearty, warming experience.  
  
 +Perfect for a chilly evening, this chili is great for gatherings, potlucks, or game day parties, and is sure to be a favorite among your friends and family.  
 +
 +===== Ingredients =====  
 +
 +==== Meats ====  
 +  * 2 lbs 90% lean ground beef  
 +  * 2 lbs Andouille sausage, sliced on a bias into roughly 1/2” slices  
 +
 +==== Vegetables ====  
 +  * 8 cloves garlic, crushed and diced  
 +  * 1 white onion, diced  
 +  * 1 whole jalapeno pepper, diced  
 +
 +==== Tomatoes ====  
 +  * 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes  
 +  * 1 can (14 oz) whole peeled tomatoes  
 +  * 2 tbsp tomato paste  
 +
 +==== Seasonings and Spices ====  
 +
 +=== Dry Spices ===  
 +  * 1 tsp Ancho chili powder  
 +  * 1 tsp Chipotle chili powder  
 +  * 1 tsp cayenne pepper  
 +  * 2 tsp brown sugar  
 +  * 2 tsp coriander  
 +  * 2 tsp cumin  
 +  * 2 tsp smoked paprika  
 +  * 2 tsp black pepper  
 +
 +=== Wet Spices ===  
 +  * 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes  
 +  * 2 tsp beef base  
 +  * 1 tsp minced fresh ginger (optional, for depth)  
 +
 +===== Tools =====  
 +  * Large (12” diameter) frying pan  
 +  * 4-6 quart Dutch oven or heavy stock pot  
 +  * Potato masher or immersion blender  
 +
 +===== Instructions =====  
 +  - In a Dutch oven or large stock pot, brown the ground beef and Andouille sausage over medium-high heat. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pot.  
 +  - Add the diced onion, garlic, and jalapeno to the pot. Sauté until softened and lightly browned.  
 +  - Stir in the dry spices to toast them lightly in the fat for 30 seconds, releasing their aromas.  
 +  - Add the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes.  
 +  - Deglaze the pot with a splash of water or beef stock, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.  
 +  - Add the crushed and whole peeled tomatoes. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to break down the whole tomatoes into chunky pieces.  
 +  - Return the cooked meats to the pot, stirring to combine.  
 +  - Stir in the beef base and crushed red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt as needed.  
 +  - Simmer uncovered on low heat for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking. The chili should thicken and develop deep flavors.  
 +  - For extra thickness, dissolve 1 tbsp of cornstarch in 2 tbsp cold water, stir into the chili, and simmer for another 5 minutes.  
 +  - Adjust salt and spice levels to taste before serving.  
 +
 +==== Shopping List ====  
 +  * 2 lbs 90% lean ground beef  
 +  * 2 lbs Andouille sausage  
 +  * Garlic  
 +  * White onion  
 +  * Jalapeno pepper  
 +  * Crushed tomatoes  
 +  * Whole peeled tomatoes  
 +  * Tomato paste  
 +  * Ancho chili powder  
 +  * Chipotle chili powder  
 +  * Cayenne pepper  
 +  * Brown sugar  
 +  * Coriander  
 +  * Cumin  
 +  * Smoked paprika  
 +  * Black pepper  
 +  * Beef base  
 +  * Cornstarch (optional for thickening)