Chili the Al Roker Way

Al Roker's Chili

I'm enjoying the cooler autumn days, and this puts me in the mood for comfort food.  There's no better comfort food than chili, and my favorite is Al Roker's chili.  His recipe calls for diced cube steak instead of ground beef, and it is ever so much better.  Three different kinds of beans are used which makes the chili a bit more colorful. This recipe takes a little more time, but it is well worth the effort.

Al Roker’s Chili Recipe

·        2 tablespoons vegetable oil

·        2 lbs chuck steaks, cut into 1/2-inch dice

·        kosher salt

·        fresh ground pepper

·        1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed and meat broken into 1-inch pieces

·        1 large white onion, chopped

·        6 garlic cloves, minced

·        1 tablespoon chili powder

·        1 tablespoon sweet paprika

·        2 teaspoons ground cumin

·        1(28 ounce) can diced tomatoes

·        1 cup water

·        1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained

·        1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, drained

·        1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained

DIRECTIONS

1.     In a large enameled cast-iron casserole or soup pot, heat the oil. Season the chuck with salt and pepper.

2.     Add half of the chuck and cook over moderately high heat until browned, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate. Repeat with the remaining chuck.

3.     Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 4 minutes. Add the sausage to the diced chuck.

4.     Add the chopped onion to the casserole and cook over moderate heat until tender, about 4 minutes.

5.     Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes.

6.     Stir in the chili powder, paprika, cumin and the chuck, sausage and any accumulated juices. Cook, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.

7.     Add the tomatoes and their juices and the water. Cover and simmer over moderately low heat for 1 hour.

8.     Stir in the beans and simmer uncovered until thickened, about 15 minutes. Season with salt if desired.

Serve the chili in deep bowls, passing the cheese, scallions, sour cream and cilantro 

Cubed steak diced and browned 

Italian sausage. 

Mix spices in with onions and garlic that have been sauteed. 

Add meat and tomatoes back into pot and simmer for one hour. 

Add beans cook for 15 more minutes. 

Ready to serve topped with cheese or scallions. 

Yes, this is definitely one of my favorite comfort foods for cold weather. Why don't you try it!