Meat water - otherwise known as Texas style chili . . .yum!

My husband is crazy.  Mainly for putting up with all my craziness ("but I will DIE without another fat quarter bundle!") and for never saying "don't you have enough fabric?" And for saying yes to chickens and a second dog.

But what makes him really crazy is his definition of chili.  Specifically, he claims to like chili but only if it does not have any beans or tomatoes in it.  Huh?  Isn't that just meat with water?  So over the years I have tried endless variations of chili because I like it and 2 out of 3 kids like it - which is a huge success in my book.  But to no avail.  I could never come up with the perfect "meat water" recipe.

Until now - ta da!  Meat water, otherwise known as chili with no beans and no chunky tomatoes.   Apparently there are other crazy people in the world like my husband who like chili this way, including Lyndon Johnson who purportedly loved this recipe.  The craziest part?  The kids and I love it too!

Pedernales River Chili 4 pounds chili-grind beef chuck or venison 1 large onion, chopped 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano, preferably Mexican 2 tablespoons chili powder, or more, to taste 1 teaspoon round cumin Salt to taste 2 to 6 dashes Tabasco or other hot pepper sauce 2 cups hot water 1 1/2 cups canned whole tomatoes with juice  METHOD Place the meat, onion, and garlic in a large, heavy frying pan or Dutch oven. Cook over medium heat until the meat is lightly browned. Add the oregano, chili powder, cumin, salt and hot pepper sauce. Pour in the water and tomatoes, and bring the chili to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for 1 hour. Skim off any fat during the cooking. Serve the chili hot. Serves 5 to 6 (click the recipe title to go to the website where I found this recipe)

 When I make this chili, I cook the meat on the stove and then dump the whole thing, spices and all, into the crock pot on low for several hours.  I also have some kidney or black beans on the side so those who like beans can add them.

I like to make this on the days when my husband and oldest daughter beat me home from gymnastics with the other two.  She can shower while he spoons the chili onto whole grain Tostitos scoops and tops with cheese.  Pop those into a 350 degree oven for 5 - 10 minutes and you have some yummy nachos.  In theory, when the other two and I get home, we are greeted with a wonderful dinner, smiling husband and older daughter, and general peace and happiness.  Well, at least I am guaranteed a wonderful dinner!

Happy cooking!

Robyn