Ingredients

  • 2 ancho chiles
  • 2 dried New Mexico chiles
  • 3 dried chipotle chile
  • 1 tablespoon coriander seeds, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds, toasted
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 whole garlic cloves, plus 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • Three 14.5-ounce cans peeled whole tomatoes, drained
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 6 ounces meaty bacon, diced (1 cup)
  • 6 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups stout beer
  • 2 cups brewed coffee
  • 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
  • 8 cilantro sprigs, coarsely chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • Three 15-ounce cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained

Method

  • In a heatproof bowl, cover the chiles with boiling water and let stand until softened, 15 minutes; drain.
  • Stem and seed the chiles and transfer to a blender.
  • Add the coriander, cumin, mustard seeds, thyme, garlic cloves and one-third of the tomatoes; puree.
  • In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat the oil.
  • Add half of the ground beef and brown over moderately high heat, about 2 minutes.
  • Transfer the meat to a plate.
  • Repeat with the remaining ground beef.
  • Add the onion and bacon to the pot and cook until the onion is golden.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  • Add the beef and chile puree and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  • Add the stock, beer, coffee, tortilla chips, cilantro and remaining tomatoes and season with salt.
  • Bring to a boil, cover and simmer over moderate heat for 1 hour.
  • Add the beans and cook uncovered for 1 hour.
  • Season the chili with salt.