LAMB CHILI
1 tablespoon corn oil
1 cup chopped onion
6 large garlic cloves, chopped
3 dried ancho chilis, stemmed, seeded, torn into pieces
2 dried New Mexico chilis, stemmed, seeded, torn into pieces
2 plum tomatoes, seeded, chopped
2 cups canned unsalted chicken broth
2 teaspoons dried oregano, crumbled
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
1 pound lamb stew meat (preferably shoulder), well trimmed, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 14 1/2-ounce can low-salt kidney beans, drained
Heat 1 tablespoon oil in heavy medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until just translucent, about 3 minutes. Add both chilis, tomatoes, broth, oregano, cumin and allspice. Bring mixture to boil. Cover pan and simmer until chilis are tender, approximately 30 minutes.
Position rack in center of oven and preheat to 325°F. Puree sauce in batches in blender. Return sauce to same pan. Add lamb. Cover and bake until lamb is almost tender, about 50 minutes. Uncover pan and simmer chili over medium-low heat until lamb is very tender and liquids are thickened to sauce consistency, about 25 minutes. Add kidney beans and simmer 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and chill. Rewarm over low heat before serving garnish with green onion and cilantro. Serves 4 to 6. |