RECIPE – Chinese Chili (Sichuan Style) – Serves 2

Ingredients

• Applewood Signature® All Natural Dried Chili – Grade A – 80g
• 1 and ½ tbsp. Sichuan peppercorns
• 2 tsp. cumin powder
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• ½ tsp. salt
• 1 tbsp. olive oil (or vegetable oil)
• 1 yellow onion, minced
• 5 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped
• 2 lbs (1 kg) ground beef
• 4 tbsp. Doubanjiang Chinese fermented spicy chili paste
• 1 can (28 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 cup canned tomato sauce about 1/2 can (7 oz. tomato sauce, or 2 tbsp. tomato paste)
• 2 tbsp. Shaoxing wine
• 1 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained

• Finely chopped cilantro (optional)
• Cubed avocado or sour cream (optional)
• Steamed rice (optional)

Method

Making The Chili Blend

1. Soften the dried chili peppers by soaking them in hot water
2. Remove and discard the stems from the softened peppers
3. Blend the chili peppers with the other dry ingredients
4. Once blended, the chili paste should be a smooth consistency

Cooking The Chili

1. Sauté the onion, making sure to keep the onion crisp.
2. Cook the beef and Doubanjiang.
3. Add the homemade chili paste and cook.
4. Add the canned tomatoes and the rest of the seasonings.
5. Simmer under cover for 30 minutes.
6. Add the beans and cook for 5 minutes.
7. Enjoy!