TEXAS CHILI WITH BEEF CHUNKS

2 1/2 lbs beef chuck, cubed into bite-size pieces

2 tbsp brown sugar
salt to taste
2 tbsp canola oil
1 small onion, chopped fine
5 garlic cloves, minced
2 cans (4.5-oz) chopped green chiles, drained
1 tbsp ground cumin
3/4 cup chili powder
1 1/2 cups water
1 can (14-oz) diced tomatoes with chiles
1 to 2 tbsp hot sauce (to suit taste)
sliced green onions for garnish, optional
grated cheddar cheese for garnish, optional
sour cream for garnish, optional
tortilla chips, crackers, or cornbread for serving

Place the beef cubes in a large bowl and toss with half the brown sugar and salt to coat.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; cook beef until browned on all sides; transfer to a crockpot or slow cooker (needs to hold 5 to 6 quarts).

Reduce heat under skillet to medium and add the onion, cooking 4 to 5 minutes until tender.  Add the garlic, chiles, cumin, chili powder to the skillet and cook, stirring, 2 to 3 minutes.  Add the water and tomatoes; simmer another 2 to 3 minutes while scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.  Pour the mixture into the slow cooker over the beef.

Place lid on the cooker and cook on low setting for 7 - 8 hours.

Stir in the remaining brown sugar and the hot sauce.

Ladle chili into serving bowls and top with your choice of toppings.  Serve with the chips, crackers, or cornbread.

Yield: 6 servings

Note: File Photo