BJ's Pale Ale Chili

Yes, this is the one, the only, and one of the most yummy chilies that comes to mind. Inspired by the BJs offering of the Piranha Pale Ale Chili, this version gives BJs a run for its money and then some.

A quick note for this recipe; there is nothing like home cooked beans as opposed to canned beans. I will include in the recipe cook times for crock potting pinto beans. If desired, you may use canned pinto beans but why cheat yourself when you've come this far?

Yield: A hearty serving for 12

Ingredients:

Chili:

• 3 lbs (48oz) Cooked Pinto Beans
• 1 1/3 Cup Flour
• 1.5 lb Ground Beef (85% Lean is OK, you will drain grease)
• 1.5 lb Ground Pork
• (2) 12 fl oz Bottles Bass Pale Ale
• 4 Cups Beef Broth
• (1) 28oz Can Crushed Tomatoes
• 1 Large Onion
• 2 tbsp Salt
• 4 tsp Granulated Garlic Powder
• 2 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Cayenne
• 2 tsp Ground Black Pepper
• 2 tbsp Chile Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano

Garnish:

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• Sour Cream
• Chives

Recipe:

Beans:

Add two (16oz) bags of dried pinto beans to a bowl. Add enough water to sufficently cover the beans, allow to soak overnight.

The next day, drain the water and add the beans to a crock pot. Add enough water to cover the beans and cook on high for 7 hours. Drain the beans, weigh out 3lbs, and set aside for the chili.

Chili:

Dice the onion and set aside.

Mix together the ground beef and pork, brown the meat mixture and break into meaty bite size morsels. Drain the grease and set the meat aside.

In a small bowl, add all the spices and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the beef broth and flour.

In a large stock pot, add the beans, meat, onion, crushed tomatoes, pale ale, and spice mixture. Add the beef broth through a mesh strainer to remove any lumps.

Stir ingredients and bring to a low boil. Turn down heat to a low simmer and cook covered for 2 hours.

Remove lid, breathe in, salivate, ladle into bowls. Add shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and sprinkle with chives.

Devour!!!!!!!