Dinner: Beef and Andouille Chili

Ingredients

Canola oil, or another high heat cooking oil
2 1/2 pounds braising beef (preferably chuck or sirloin), cut into 3/4-inch cubes
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
8 ounces andouille sausage, diced
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 (12 ounce) bottle lager-style beer
1 (28 ounce) can fire-roasted tomatoes
1 cup chicken stock
2 tablespoons good-quality chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (15.5-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained
1 (15.5-ounce) can black beans, drained
Cayenne pepper, to taste

Instructions

Kitchen tip: Freeze the beef for approximately 45 minutes before cubing; it will be much easier to dice. In a large Dutch oven or cast iron pot, heat a few tablespoons canola oil over medium-high to high heat. Thoroughly pat the beef dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Working in small batches, sear the beef cubes until all sides are deep brown and a dark fond is forming in the pot. Add more canola oil to the pot if it looks like it is starting to burn. Remove the beef to a separate bowl after browning each batch. After the beef is cooked, add the andouille to the pot and saute for another 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the andouille and set aside with the beef. Lower the heat to medium. Add a couple more tablespoons of canola; toss in the onions, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for another 30 seconds. Pour in the beer to deglaze the pan and remove the fond from the bottom of the pot. Meanwhile, use a pair of kitchen scissors to cut the tomatoes into chunks while still in the can. Add the beef, andouille, tomatoes and juices, chicken stock, chili powder and cumin into the pot. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer the chili for 1 1/2 hours. Add the beans and season with cayenne, salt and pepper. Continue to cook the chili for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, until the beef is very tender and the beans are warm. Remove from the heat. Bring to room temperature then transfer to the refrigerator. The chili will naturally thicken up as it cools. (I recommend serving this chili 1 to 2 days after cooking. It just keeps getting better and better.) To serve, reheat on medium-low until warm. Serve with scallions, Cheddar cheese, sour cream and cornbread.