Mom’s Chili Recipe

This Mom’s Chili is the ultimate comfort food—a deeply flavorful blend of hearty meats, savory spices, tender beans, and a surprise twist of chocolate and masa harina that sets it apart. Rich, bold, and satisfying, it’s the kind of chili that wins hearts (and contests).

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Mom’s Award-Winning Chili Recipe

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Quantity
Neutral-flavored oil	2 tablespoons
Large onion, diced	1
Chili powder	6 tablespoons
Ground cumin	4 teaspoons
Ground coriander	2 teaspoons
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	2 teaspoons
Ground black pepper	½ teaspoon
Garlic, minced	4 cloves
Ground beef	2 lbs
Ground pork	1 lb
Diced tomatoes (with juice)	4 (15 oz) cans
Pinto beans (drained, rinsed)	2 (15 oz) cans
Bay leaves	3
Masa harina	2 tablespoons
Semi-sweet baking chocolate	2 oz

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Instructions:

1. Cook Onions & Toast Spices:
   In a large Dutch oven or heavy pot, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until it begins to soften. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, coriander, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for about 1 minute to release the full aroma and flavor of the spices.
2. Add Garlic:
   Mix in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until it becomes fragrant.
3. Brown the Meat:
   Raise the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and pork to the pot. Break up the meat with a spoon or spatula and cook until browned all over. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
4. Build the Chili:
   Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice), pinto beans, and bay leaves. Stir well. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and help the flavors meld.
5. Finish with Chocolate & Masa:
   Once the chili has simmered and developed deep flavor, discard the bay leaves. Stir in the chocolate and masa harina. Cook for another 5–10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the chocolate has melted and the chili has slightly thickened.