Robb Walshs Chili Powder Food

ROBB WALSH'S CHILI POWDER

Steps:

• Toast chiles in a pan, then remove them and allow to cool. In the same pan, toast cumin seeds.
• Seed the anchos and cut them into strips and then process them in a spice grinder with the cumin seeds, a big pinch of Mexican oregano and, if you like, a shake of garlic powder.
• Use it in chili, or store in a sealed jar. Use it quickly, though. It grows stale fast.

CLASSIC CHILI CON CARNE

Steps:

• For the chile powder: Place the chiles flat in a cast-iron skillet over medium heat and cook, turning as needed, until lightly toasted. Transfer to a plate to cool. Put the cumin seeds in the hot pan and stir until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl to cool.
• Using scissors, cut the chiles into small strips. Using a spice grinder or a clean coffee grinder, grind in batches into a powder. Pour into a bowl. Grind the cumin seeds into a powder and add to the bowl. Add the oregano and garlic powder. If the mixture is still coarse, grind again until fine. Reserve 3 1/2 tablespoons for the chili; save the rest in a jar.
• For the chili: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, stir the cumin seeds until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour onto a work surface and using a small, heavy skillet, crush them coarsely. Set aside.
• Return the pot to medium-high heat, add the bacon and fry until crisp, 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
• Increase the heat to high. Working in small batches, add the beef cubes to the pot and cook, stirring, until well browned on all sides. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a bowl.
• Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions to the remaining bacon drippings and sauté until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
• Add the crushed cumin, reserved chili powder, paprika, oregano, black pepper, thyme, salt and garlic and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute. Crumble in the bacon and add the broth, tomatoes, 1 cup water, anchos and the browned beef. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to low, cover partly and simmer for 2 hours, until the meat is very tender. Add water as needed to maintain a good chili consistency.
• Remove the anchos, purée them in a food processor or blender and return the purée to the pot. Stir well, simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors and serve.

ROBB WALSH'S BARBECUED COWBOY STEAKS

Steps:

• In small bowl, make spice rub by combining first 6 ingredients.
• Sprinkle spice rub over both sides of steaks, pressing to adhere.
• Allow steaks to stand at room temperature 1 hour.
• Spread entire contents of mesquite chunks bag over 2/3 of bottom rack and prepare barbecue at medium-high heat.
• Grill steaks over mesquite until brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side.
• Remove steaks from grill.
• Allow mesquite chunks to burn until only gray ash remains.
• Drain wood chips; scatter over mesquite.
• Return steaks to cooler part of grill, i.e., not over mesquite.
• Cover barbecue with lid; grill steaks to desired doneness, about 10 minutes for medium-rare. Let steaks reast 5 minutes before serving.

HOMEMADE CHILI POWDER

Steps:

• Combine all of the ingredients in a small mixing bowl and stir until thoroughly blended. Store the chili powder in an airtight container.

CHILI GRAVY FROM ROBB WALSH

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
• Stir in the flour and continue stirring for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it makes a light brown roux.
• Add all the dry ingredients and continue to cook for 1 minute, constantly stirring and blending ingredients.
• Add chicken broth or water, mixing and stirring until the sauce thickens.
• Turn heat to low and let sauce simmer for 15 minutes. Add water to adjust the thickness. Makes 2 cups.