Secret Chili Restaurant Recipe - Three Bean Enchilada Chili

Introduction

The "Three Bean Enchilada Chili" is a closely guarded secret from a renowned restaurant, known for its unique twist on traditional chili. Instead of using tomatoes, this recipe incorporates a special enchilada sauce that includes a secret ingredient, making it stand out from the crowd. The use of Ancho chile powder further enhances its distinct flavor, making it a favorite among those who have tried it.

The Magic of Ancho Chile Powder

Ancho chile powder is derived from dried poblano chiles, which are known for their mild, fruity, and slightly sweet taste. These chiles start as fresh green poblanos, ripen to red, and are then dried to become smoky and dark brown. The dried chiles can be crushed into a spice powder, perfect for seasoning chili, mole, and tacos.

Interesting Fact

Did you know that Ancho chiles are one of the most commonly used dried chiles in Mexican cuisine? They are a key ingredient in many traditional dishes, including mole sauce. According to the Scoville Scale, Ancho chiles have a heat level of 1,000 to 2,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), making them milder than jalapeños.

Recipe Development

This recipe was initially created at home and tested on my husband, who loved it so much that he encouraged me to introduce it at my restaurant. The response from our customers was overwhelmingly positive, and it quickly became a favorite.

Three Bean Enchilada Chili Recipe

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes for preparing the sauce
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1-2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil
• 2 pounds lean ground beef, ground chuck, or other meat such as chopped chuck steak, chicken, or pork
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1 cup red, green, or yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 8 cups of enchilada sauce (recipe below)
• One 15-16 ounce can of pinto beans, rinsed and drained
• One 15-16 ounce can of red or kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• One 15-16 ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 tablespoon Ancho chile powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• 1 cup Cheddar or Monterrey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a 3-4 quart soup pot over medium-high heat. Add meat and cook until beginning to brown.
2. Add the onions and peppers and cook until crisp-tender (4-5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
3. Drain the meat mixture, add enchilada sauce, beans, and spices, and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until meat is tender and flavors are blended.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, green onions, and tortilla chips if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with cornbread or warm tortillas for a complete meal.

Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, olive oil, or bacon drippings
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon ground oregano
• 2 tablespoons chile powder (preferably Ancho chile powder)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste (or taco sauce)
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, optional
• 4 cups beef stock

Instructions

1. Heat oil or bacon drippings in a skillet over low heat and sauté the garlic, flour, and oregano until golden in color.
2. Add chile powder, 1 cup of beef stock, and tomato paste, and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the remaining stock, salt, white pepper, and cayenne.
4. Simmer for 20-30 minutes.
5. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Conclusion

Enjoy your Three Bean Enchilada Chili made with this delicious enchilada sauce, and savor the company of those you share it with. This unique recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in our restaurant.

For more information on the benefits of using Ancho chile powder, check out this comprehensive guide from The Spruce Eats.