Beef Mole Chili

I realize this might make me the most unpopular girl in Denver, but I’m going to say it:  I don’t care about the Broncos very much.  OK, I don’t care at all.

I’m not anti-football.  I’m glad it makes people happy.  I sort of wish I was a cool chick who liked football — but I find it agonizingly dull.

When people talk about football, I find it so boring I fear my head might explode. Last week my new boss and a friend of mine who likes football started talking about the Broncos. Or at least I think they were.  Once the conversation switched to football, I honestly couldn’t even pay attention long enough register two consecutive words.

I tried to stand there, smile and pretend to be engaged.  But after what seemed like 55 minutes but was probably 12 seconds, I thought I might pass out from indifference.  I said, “OK, that’s enough football talk for me.  I’m out.”  I’m sure that was the way to get in good with the new boss.

I see the appeal of watching football.  You get together, in comfy sweatshirts, on a lazy Sunday with friends to watch athletes perform in a sport you care about.  Your adrenaline pumps and people high-five each other.  Plus, there’s usually drinks and food.   All that sounds awesome.  I would just rather we were watching Glee.

But to show my support for the Mile High City and whatever the Broncos have accomplished or are about to accomplished, here’s a recipe that would be good for a football watching party: Beef Mole Chili.

I hope you enjoy it. If you are watching the Broncos this weekend, enjoy that as well.  I’ll be at home giggling at episodes of Portlandia.

Beef Mole Chili

Onion, 1 cup chopped

Coconut oil, 1 tablespoon

Ground beef, 1 pound

Poblano pepper, 1 , diced

Garlic, 2-3 cloves, diced

Chopped tomatoes, 1 14-oz can

Water, ½ cup

Unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 tablespoon

Cumin, 1 tablespoon

Chili powder, 1 tablespoon

Red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon

Oregano, 1 teaspoon

Salt, 1 teaspoon

To serve: Avocado and fresh cilantro.

  1. Add onion and coconut oil to pot.  Satue over medium heat for about 6 minutes, until onions are soft.
  2. Add ground beef, garlic and poblano pepper.  Cook until beef is browned, about 10 minutes.
  3. Add all remaining ingredients to pot and mix well.
  4. Reduce heat to low.  Cover and let simmer for about 45 minutes.
  5. Serve over avocado and garnish with cilantro.