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Hungarian-Style Chili with Polenta

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4

Ingredients

2 tablespoons EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil)
2 pounds coarse-ground sirloin
1 red chile pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Salt and pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 1/2 palmfuls
1 1/2 tablespoons sweet smoked paprika, 1 1/2 palmfuls
1 teaspoon dried marjoram or oregano, 1/3 palmful
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 quart beef stock
1 1/2 cups water or chicken stock
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup quick-cooking polenta
1 cup shredded Gouda or smoked Gouda cheese
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup sour cream
Chopped fresh dill, flat-leaf parsley, and chives for garnish

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Heat a large pot over medium-high to high heat with the EVOO. Add the beef and brown for 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to break up the lumps. Add the chile pepper, bell pepper, onions, and garlic and season with salt and pepper. Cook 7 to 8 more minutes to soften the vegetables. Stir in the chili powder, sweet paprika, and marjoram. Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir to combine, 1 minute. Add the beef stock to the pot and bring the chili to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes.

    Step 2

    In a medium saucepan, bring the water or chicken stock and the milk to a boil, whisk in the polenta, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until thickened. Stir in the cheese and butter and season with salt and pepper.

    Step 3

    Fill shallow bowls with polenta, making a well in the center. Fill the well with ladles of chili and top with sour cream, dill, parsley, and chives.

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