Fourth of July: All American Chili

Happy Fourth of July everyone!  Thatbaby and I are on our own for the holiday as Thatboy isn't even in the country.  Although he claims he'll be attending a Fourth of July party in the country he is in.  Which reminds me of the Fourth of July I spent at an Irish Bar in Austria, drinking tequila.

But really, I don't consider the Fourth of July to be a real family holiday.  Even though I've spent the past 3 years spending it with Thatboy and Thatmom.  For me, The Fourth is about communities.  Friends and neighbors gathering together.  BBQs, parades, and fireworks.

Because when it comes down to it, America is about people coming together.  We are the melting pot, are we not?  And the past few weeks have made it even more clear that America stands for the inclusion of all.

This chili represents all that is good in America.  The melting pot idea.  Where beans, meat, and vegetables all come together to create one perfect dish.  Each ingredient is the star in its own right.

All American Chili

2 dried ancho chiles

1 1/4 cup water, divided

3 Tbsp canola oil

1 onion, chopped

2 bell peppers, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 lb ground turkey

1/4 cup chicken broth

2 cans black beans, drained

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can tomato sauce

6 ounces tomato paste

1 Tbsp dried oregano

1/2 Tbsp ancho chile powder

1 1/2 Tbsp cumin

1/2 tsp cayenne

1/2 Tbsp cinnamon

1/2 Tbsp cocoa

1/2 Tbsp salt

1/2 Tbsp cornstarch

1/2 cup dark brown sugar 

1/4 cup Jack Daniels 

1. Bring chiles and 1 cup water to a boil in a small saucepan.  Lower to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.  Cool.  Puree in a food processor or blender.  
2. Heat canola oil in a pot.  Add onions, bell peppers and garlic.  Saute until the onions are tender, about 10 minutes. 
3. Add the turkey and cook until cooked through.
4. Add the chicken broth, pureed chiles, black beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, oregano, chile powder, cumin, cayenne, cinnamon, cocoa, and salt.  Reduce heat to low and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Combine corn starch with remaining 1/4 cup water, stirring until smooth.  Add this mixture to the chile and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
6. Add the brown sugar and Jack Daniels and cook for another 10 minutes.