Recipe By : Cooking Under Pressure, copyright 1989
Serving Size : 6 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Chili
Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 tb Olive oil -- up to 3 tb
2 lb Boneless chuck or round -- cut in 1" cubes
1 cl Garlic -- minced
3 c Onion -- coarsely chopped
1 Green bell pepper -- cut into strips
1 ds Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
28 oz Can tomatoes with juice -- coarsely chopped
1 ts Whole cumin seeds
1 ts Dried oregano
1 Cinnamon stick (3") -- halved
2 Bay leaves
1 1/2 tb Chili powder -- up to 2 tb
1/8 ts Ground nutmeg
1 ts Salt -- or to taste
1 c Cooked red kidney beans -- up to 2 c
- (optional)
1 c Fresh cilantro -- minced, tightly packed
2 tb Finely ground yellow corn meal (optional)
Garnishes:
Cheddar cheese -- grated (optional)
Onions -- finely chopped (optional)
Trim meat of excess fat.
Heat 2 tb oil in the cooker. Over medium-high heat, bronw the meat in
2 to 3 batches. Remove to a platter and set aside. Adding more oil if
necessary, saute the garlic, onions, green pepper, and hot pepper (if
desired) for 3 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom
of the pan. Return the browned meat to the pot and add the tomatoes.
Stir in the spices and salt.
Lock the lid in place and over high heat bring to high pressure.
Adjust heat to maintain high pressure, and cook for 16 minutes. Let
the pressure drop naturally, about 10 minutes. Do not use a quick
release method. Remove the lid, tilting it away from you to allow any
excess steam to escape.
Test the beef for doneness. If it is not sufficiently tender, lock
the lid back into place and return to high pressure for a few more
minutes. Again, let the pressure drop naturally. When done, remove
the bay leaves and cinnamon sticks. Stir in the kidney beans (if
desired) and cilantro. If the stew is too thin, gradually whisk in
the corn meal while boiling over medium heat until thickened. Pass
the Cheddar cheese and chopped onions on the side, if desired.
Notes: I consider chili naked without beans, but the success of this
stew doesn't depend on them.
Vegetarian Variation:
For a delicious vegetarian version, substitute 1 lb of cubed, firm
tofu for the beef. Skip the browning stage and quick release the
pressure. Reduce cooking time to 5 minutes.
