Walt Disney's Chili and Beans2 pounds dry pink (pinto) beans 2 onions, sliced 1/4 cup vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic, diced 1 cup chopped celery 2 pounds coarsely ground lean beef 1 teaspoon chili powder, or to taste 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves 1 (28 ounce) can solid-pack tomatoes Salt, to taste Optional seasonings for a more spicy chili: 1/8 teaspoon each coriander, turmeric, chile seeds, fennel, cloves, cinnamon, dry ginger or 1 small yellow Mexican chile pepper Wash and sort beans and soak overnight in cold water. Next morning, drain; add water to cover, 2 inches over beans. Add sliced onions and simmer, covered, until tender, about 2 hours. Meanwhile, heat oil in large saucepot and lightly brown garlic, celery and beef, stirring. Add chili powder, paprika and thyme. Break up tomatoes with a spoon and mix with meat mixture. Cover and simmer 1 hour. When beans are tender, combine with meat, stirring gently. Taste and add salt, as needed. Simmer 30 minutes longer. |