Whole dried ancho and guajillo chiles (earthy.com) heat things up in an authentic and easy recipe for this crowd-pleasing classic.

INGREDIENTS:

(Makes about 8 cups; serves 6 to

• 8 whole dried chiles (5 ancho and 3 guajillo or all ancho; about 3 ounces)
• 3 tablespoons safflower oil, plus more as needed
• 3 pounds trimmed beef chuck, cut into small pieces (1/2 inch or smaller)
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 large onions, coarsely chopped (4 cups)
• 7 to 8 garlic cloves, minced (5 tablespoons)
• 2 jalapeno or serrano chiles, seeded if desired, minced
• 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 can (28 ounces) whole peeled plum tomatoes, pureed with their juice (3 1/2 cups)
• 4 cups water, plus more if needed and for soaking
• 2 to 3 teaspoons white vinegar, to taste

Directions

1. Toast dried chiles in a dry skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant and blistered, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove stem and seeds; discard. Transfer chiles to a large measuring cup or bowl, and cover with hot water. Keep chiles submerged with a small bowl, and let soak for 30 minutes. Remove from water, and puree in a blender with 1/2 cup soaking liquid.
2. Heat a large heavy pot over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons oil. Season beef with 2 1/2 teaspoons salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Brown beef in batches, adding more oil as needed, about 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add remaining tablespoon oil, the onions, garlic, and minced chiles to pot, and cook over medium-high heat until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. (If the pan gets too dark, add a little water, and scrape up browned bits with a wooden spoon to deglaze.) Add cumin and oregano, and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. Stir in browned beef and chile puree. Add tomato puree, water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer gently, partially covered, until meat is very tender and juices are thick, 2 1/2 to 3 hours. (Check pot once an hour for excessive evaporation; if chili seems dry, add a little water.) Season chili with salt, and stir in vinegar. Serve immediately (or refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months; reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally).

Source: Martha Stewart’s Game-Day Recipes