Chile Con Carne Rojo, Sonoran Style

1. 1

   Put the cut-up beef in a dutch oven or similar large kettle, cover with water and boil with salt, pepper, garlic, onion, and 3-4 bay leaves. Boil until meat is tender.

2. 2

   Remove bay leaves and throw them away. Remove the meat.

3. 3

   Pour the liquid into another container. (I use a good-sized plastic pitcher.).

4. 4

   Stir the chili paste into the liquid. ( Or use 8 ounces of the paste and 8 ounces of made-from-scratch chile sauce. Or if you have an asbestos tongue, skip the commercial stuff entirely!).

5. 5

   Melt shortening in the bottom of the kettle. Add flour and cook until brown, stirring almost constantly.

6. 6

   Add 10 cups or so of the beef stock/chile mixture gradually, while stirring. (It's like making gravy.).

7. 7

   Reduce heat and add oregano, cumin, more garlic, and salt to taste.

8. 8

   Stir in the meat.

9. 9

   DO NOT add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, stewed tomatoes, or any other tomato product!

10. 10

    Serve with flour tortillas and refried beans. Or make your own burros and serve it that way. Left overs (if any) freeze well.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.