Jespers Vato Loco Latino Chili

We received a tip for a magically delicious Latin Chili Stew, and of course, we had to share it here on Corkframes.

According to a quote from Jesper, who sent in the recipe: "Chili is something you cook with feeling, with high Latin American music in the background and a beer or Cuba Libre while cooking. That’s when it turns out great!"

So follow Jesper's advice and try the recipe below:

Time required: approx. 3-4 hours

Ingredients:

• 1 kg trimmed beef chuck
• 1 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 150 g smoked bacon, chopped
• 200 g raw salsiccia sausage, skin removed and chopped (preferably garlic or fennel flavored)
• 2 finely chopped yellow onions
• 6 finely chopped garlic cloves (not pressed)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp corn or wheat flour
• 2 cans of crushed tomatoes
• 1 lime
• 3 dl dark beer, such as Bavarian
• 1 can regular Coca Cola (33 cl, not diet)
• 3-4 dl robust red wine
• 2.5 dl water
• 2.5 dl stock (beef or chicken), or 2 beef bouillon cubes + 0.5 dl of liquid beef stock
• 1 carrot, chopped
• 1 potato, chopped
• Approx. 5 dl dried red beans, soaked for at least 24 hours before cooking

Chili and bell peppers:

• 2 habanero red chilies
• 1 large green chili pepper
• 1 large red chili pepper
• 3-4 fresh jalapeños
• 1-2 red bell peppers
• 1 green bell pepper
• 3 garlic cloves with skin

Spices:

• 2 pinches cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp dried chili (preferably smoked)
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp dried coriander
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp hot paprika powder
• 1-2 cinnamon sticks (to be removed later)
• Olive oil and butter for frying

For seasoning:

• 30-50 g fine dark chocolate, stirred into the warm stew
• ½ lime, juiced (more if the stew is too spicy)
• A large handful of chopped parsley and/or cilantro on top

Instructions:

1. Prepare vegetables:

   • Preheat the oven to 250°C. Quarter the bell peppers and place them on a baking sheet along with all the chilies and garlic cloves. Roast until nicely colored, about 7-10 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
     
     

2. Prepare meat:

   • Cut the beef chuck into 3 cm pieces. Chop the bacon and salsiccia.
     
     

3. Frying:

   • Fry the beef in batches in a frying pan over high heat with 2 tbsp of olive oil per batch. Add a tsp of butter at the end of each batch.
     
     
   • Meanwhile, heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the bacon and salsiccia in a bit of olive oil until done.
     
     
   • Sauté the onion, garlic, and carrot in the frying pan over medium heat until slightly colored. Set aside.
     
     

4. Stew:

   • When the bacon and salsiccia are done, add the beef and tomato paste to the pot. Salt and pepper generously and let the tomato paste cook for a minute with the meat. Add all the spices except oregano and cook a bit more.
     
     
   • Sprinkle the flour over and cook for another minute, stirring constantly.
     
     
   • Deglaze the frying pan with water and add it to the pot along with the sautéed vegetables. Pour in the beer and let it simmer on low heat.
     
     

5. Add vegetables and spices:

   • Clean the roasted chilies by removing seeds and flesh. Chop all roasted vegetables and add them to the pot. Peel the garlic cloves and add them as well. Let simmer for about 15 minutes.
     
     
   • Skim off any foam from the beer.
     
     

6. Slow cooking:

   • Add the red wine and stock. Simmer on low heat with the lid on for about 1.5 hours.
     
     
   • Add the crushed tomatoes, lime, and Coca Cola. Simmer for another hour with the lid on.
     
     

7. Final steps:

   • Add the chopped potato, soaked beans, and oregano. Simmer for the last half hour until the stew reaches the desired taste and consistency. Adjust with lime and a bit of sugar if needed.
     
     
   • Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate. Sprinkle with parsley and/or cilantro. Add more lime juice if it's too spicy.

Serving:

• Serve with freshly baked bread and a bowl of mild yogurt or sour cream on the side for those who want to cool down the chili.

To complement the rich and spicy flavors of Jesper's Vato Loco Latino Chili, here are some excellent drink options:

1. Beer:

   • Lager: A crisp, cold lager helps balance the heat and richness of the chili.
   • IPA: The hoppy bitterness of an IPA pairs well with the spicy notes.
   • Dark Beer: A robust dark beer like a stout or porter can enhance the deep flavors of the dish.
     
     

2. Wine Recommendation:

   • Red Wine: A full-bodied red wine like Malbec, Zinfandel, or Syrah complements the bold flavors.
   • White Wine: A slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer can balance the spiciness.
     
     

3. Cocktails:

   • Cuba Libre: The refreshing mix of rum, cola, and lime pairs perfectly with the chili.
   • Margarita: A classic margarita with its tangy lime and tequila notes is a great match.
     
     

4. Non-Alcoholic:

   • Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea, sweetened or unsweetened, can be a soothing option.
   • A really cold Coca Cola
   • Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade helps balance the heat and richness of the chili.
   • Sparkling Water: For a simple and refreshing option, try sparkling water with a slice of lime.

Disfruta! Enjoy! 🌶️