Lady Bird Johnson's Pedernales River Chili

By á-4174

This recipe originally contained beef suet, but that ingredient was omitted after LBJ's severe heart attack when he was Senate majority leader. Remember to skim the fat off the chili.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds coarsely ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 6 teaspoons red chile powder (or more for heat)
• 2 16-ounce cans tomatoes
• 2 cups hot water
• Salt to taste
• Grated cheddar cheese and sliced green onions for garnish

Details

Servings 12

Preparation

Step 1

Combine the beef, onion and garlic in a skillet and sear until the meat is lightly browned.

Transfer this mixture to a large pot, add the remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for an hour.

When done, transfer the chili to a bowl and place it in the refrigerator. When the fat has congealed on top, remove it with a spoon.

Reheat the chili and serve it as LBJ liked it--without beans and accompanied with a glass of milk and saltine crackers. Garnish with grated cheddar cheese and sliced green onions