Ingredients

  • 2 ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 pasilla chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • 2 guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
  • About 2 cups boiling water
  • 2 canned chipotles in adobo, seeded
  • 1 cup brewed coffee
  • One 12-ounce bottle pale ale
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 3 pounds boneless short ribs, cut into scant 1-inch cubes
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 1/4 cup masa harina (see Note) or fine cornmeal
  • 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • Chipotle hot sauce
  • Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped red onion and warm corn tortillas, for serving

Method

  • Heat a large skillet.
  • Add the ancho, pasilla and guajillo chiles and toast over moderately low heat, turning, until lightly charred, about 4 minutes.
  • Transfer the chiles to a heatproof bowl.
  • Cover with the boiling water and let stand until softened, about 20 minutes.
  • Drain the chiles and transfer to a blender.
  • Add the chipotles and coffee and puree until smooth.
  • Add the ale; pulse until blended.
  • Heat the oil in a large, enameled cast-iron casserole.
  • Season the short ribs with salt and pepper and add half to the pot.
  • Cook over moderately high heat until browned all over, about 8 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate.
  • Lower the heat to moderate and brown the remaining short ribs.
  • Return all of the meat to the casserole and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.
  • Add the onion and garlic to the casserole and cook over moderately high heat until softened, about 3 minutes.
  • Add the coriander, cumin, cinnamon and cloves and cook until fragrant.
  • Add the chile-ale mixture and the chicken stock and bring to a simmer, stirring.
  • Cover partially and simmer over low heat until the meat is very tender and the sauce is slightly reduced, about 2 hours.
  • Ladle 2 cups of the sauce into a heatproof bowl and whisk in the masa harina.
  • Whisk the mixture into the pot and simmer until the sauce thickens, 15 minutes.
  • Stir in the chocolate.
  • Season the chili with salt and hot sauce; serve with cheddar, onion and tortillas.