Chuck Wagon Chili

Chuck Wagon Chili

Ingredients:
3 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into small stew-size chunks (including fat)
6 tablespoons chili powder
3 tablespoons ground oregano
6 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon cayenne (less if you don’t like it really hot)
1 1/2 to 2 quarts water
1/3 cup masa harina or cornmeal

Directions:
1. Using some of the fat, render fat for browning rest of meat. Brown meat in a cast-iron Dutch oven.
2. Add chili powder, oregano, garlic, cumin and cayenne. Stir to coat meat.
3. Add water and stir. Bring liquid to boil and simmer, covered, for 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
4. Make a thick paste of the masa harina or cornmeal with water and add to chili. Stir to prevent lumping.
5. Remove lid and simmer 30 to 45 minutes longer (more if you like) to thicken and reduce stew to desired consistency.

Tip:
Cut down the seasonings for milder palates.