Authentic Texas Border Chili

      Yield: 12 Servings

      3    tomatoes,med

      1    onion,burmuda,lg,fine chop

    1/4 t  oregano,dried,pref. mexican

      2 t  paprika

      5    garlic cloves,lg,fine chop

      4 lb beef shank,coarse grind

      1 T  lard,butter,or bacon dripins

      4    scallions,in bunches,chopped

      5    bell pepper(s)

      5    serrano chiles,fresh

      1 lb chorizo sausage or

      1 lb sausage,hot,non-italian

      4    garlic cloves,med,fine chop

      2 t  salt

      4 T  red chile,hot,ground

      4 T  red chile,mild,ground

      3 T  cumin seeds

      1    beer

      1    water

1. Puree the first four ingredients plus one clove of the garlic in

a

blender or food processor (using the steel blade). Scrape the mixture

into a large heavy pot and add the beef. 2. Melt the lard, butter,

or bacon drippings in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the

scallions, bell peppers, serrano chiles, sausage, and the remaining

garlic, and cook until the onions are translucent and the sausage is

browned. 3. Place the cumin seeds in a 300' oven for a few minutes

until lightly browned. Remove seeds from the oven and crush them with

a mallet. Stir the vegetables into the beef and tomato mixture. Add

the salt ground chile, cumin, and enough water or beer to cover.

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then lower the heat and