Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable or grapeseed oil
  • 2 pounds pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 1 pound beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch dice
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped or smashed
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 3 tablespoons chile powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle flakes or powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon coriander
  • Two 15-ounce cans diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • Two 15-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons brewed espresso
  • 1 tablespoon agave
  • 1/2 cup shredded white Cheddar, optional
  • 1/3 cup sour cream, optional

Method

  • Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of the oil to the hot pan.
  • Season the pork and beef with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.
  • Working in 2 batches, brown the meat on all sides; this will take about 7 minutes per batch.
  • Remove the browned meat to a plate and continue with the next batch.
  • When all the meat is browned and removed, add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the pan along with the garlic, onion and pepper.
  • Cook, stirring often, for about 3 minutes.
  • Season the vegetables with the chile powder, cumin, chipotle, coriander and 1 teaspoon of salt.
  • Continue to cook the vegetables until the spices are fragrant and the vegetables are soft, an additional 2 minutes.
  • Stir in the diced tomatoes and kidney beans along with 3 cups of water.
  • Add the seared meat and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • Reduce the heat to medium low, cover and simmer until the meat is tender and the chili has thickened slightly, about 1 hour.
  • Stir in the bourbon, espresso and agave and turn off the heat.
  • Serve garnished with shredded Cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream if desired.