Murray's Girlfriend's Cincinnati Chili

Serves:

Ingredients:

2 T Butter
2 lb Beef,hamburger grind
6 Bay leaves
1 Onion,large,finely chopped
6 Garlic cloves,med,fine chop
1 t Cinnamon
2 t Allspice
4 t Vinegar
1 t Red pepper,dried whole or
1 t Chile caribe
1 1/2 t Salt
2 T Red chile,ground,hot-mild
1 t Cumin,ground
1/2 t Oregano,dried,pref. Mexican
1 cn Tomato paste(6oz ea)
6 c Water
1 cn Kidney beans,(16oz ea)
1/2 lb Vermicelli,cooked
1/2 c Cheddar cheese,grated
1 Onion,small,finely chopped

Method:

1.
Heat the butter in a large heavy skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the meat to the skillet.
Break up any lumps with a fork and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is evenly browned.
~ 2.
Stir in the remaining ingredients up through the water.
Taste and adjust seasonings.
If the flavor is too sweet, add a small amount of vinegar; if not spicy enough, add a small amount of ground chile.
~ 3.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 2 to 4 hours.
Add the kidney beans to the mixture 1/2 hour before serving.
~ 4.
Place a small amount of the cooked vermicelli in individual bowls.
Spoon on a generous amount of chili.
Top with grated cheese and raw onion or pass in individual bowls.
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