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1
Spoon the oil into a large, heavy casserole or Dutch oven set over moderate heat.
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2
Add the onions and saute until softened and lightly colored, about 10 minutes.
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3
Add the garlic and saute for 2 minutes.
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4
Reserve.
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5
Return the pot to moderate heat and crumble in the beef and pork.
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6
Increase the heat to high and brown well, without stirring, for 5 minutes.
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7
Reduce the heat to moderately high and brown, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes longer.
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8
Return the onions to the pot and stir in 1/2 cup of the chili powder, 2 tablespoons of the cocoa, 2 tablespoons of the sugar, 1 tablespoon of the cumin, 1 tablespoon of the oregano, fennel seeds, salt, cayenne, and bay leaves.
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9
Add the tomatoes and their juices, the tomato sauce, 2 bottles of the beer and 4 cups of water.
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10
Bring the mixture to a boil over moderate heat.
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11
Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 3 hours.
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12
Stir gently every 30 minutes, but do not stir during the last 15 to 20 minutes so all of the fat will rise to the top.
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13
Meanwhile, prepare the beans.
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14
Put the bacon in a large, heavy saucepan set over moderate heat.
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15
Cook, stirring frequently, until crisp and deep golden brown.
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16
Spoon off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.
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17
Drain the beans (no matter which soaking technique you have used) and measure the liquid.
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18
Add water to make 6 cups.
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19
Add the beans and liquid to the bacon in the pan and bring to a boil, stirring frequently, over moderate heat.
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20
Reduce the heat to low, partially cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
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21
Add the garlic and salt, partially cover, and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 hour longer.
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22
Remove from the heat and set aside.
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23
When the chili has cooked for 3 hours, degrease it, skimming off most of the fat.
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24
Place a paper towel flat on the surface to soak up any remaining fat repeat, if necessary.
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25
Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup chili powder, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon oregano.
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26
Taste for balance of acidity to sweetness and stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar, if needed.
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27
Add the beans and their cooking liquid.
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28
Set the chili aside to cool to room temperature.
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29
If making ahead, cover and refrigerate overnight.
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30
Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees.
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31
Stir the remaining 1 bottle of beer into the chili.
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32
Bake, uncovered, for 2 hours, stirring once in a while.
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33
Serve hot.