Technically chili isn't a soup, but since it's almost Super Bowl Sunday, and chili is a one-pot meal made in a similar process as soup, I had to feature it. My dad discovered this recipe and has been raving about it for a couple of weeks now. Currently it's our favorite chili because its both sweet and spicy at the same time.

Brown sugar adds the sweetness and serrano and jalapeno peppers add the spice. To save time, I used the food processor to chop the vegetables. This recipe does take a few hours for the flavors to meld, so don't wait until the last minute. To see the method behind the chili, read more.

Sweet and Spicy Chili
From Jason Miller of Primehouse New York

2 tbsp. vegetable oil
16 oz. coarse ground beef
12 oz. sirloin (prime grade is best), cubed into 1/4 in. chunks
2 medium yellow onions, chopped into 1/4 in. dice
1 shallot, diced fine
2 tbsp. finely chopped garlic
1 red bell pepper, diced 1/4 in.
1 green bell pepper, diced 1/4 in.
1 cup tomato paste
1/2 tsp. fine-ground instant espresso
1 cup dark brown sugar
4 tbsp. chili powder
1 tbsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 tsp. ground cayenne
1/4 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. ground coriander
1 tsp. kosher salt
3 15 oz. cans kidney beans
2 cups beef stock
1 28 oz. can peeled plum tomatoes, chopped (drained, but reserve juice)
12 oz. dark beer (Guinness recommended)
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
1 serrano pepper, seeded and chopped

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed stock pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned thoroughly about 8 minutes. Drain off excess fat.



2. Add sirloin, garlic, onions, shallots, green and red bell peppers and continue to cook for an additional 12 minutes, making sure to thoroughly brown the sirloin and get a good carmelization on the vegetables.



3. Add the tomato paste, espresso, dried seasonings, and sugar. Saute and thoroughly mix over medium heat for 10 minutes.



4. Add beans, stock, tomatoes, beer, and hot peppers and let simmer for one hour over medium-low heat, stirring the mixture every 10 minutes.



5. Reduce heat to low and continue to simmer for additional one hour, using the reserved drained tomato juice to thin if needed.



6. Serve hot with the garnish of your choice: cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, etc.

Serves 10-12.

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