Chili Dog Chili

In a small bowl, combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, pepper, garlic and 3 tablespoons of water to make a spice paste. Set aside.

Heat oil over medium high heat in a large saute pan. Add onion when oil begins to shimmer; sprinkle with salt. Saute onions until they are soft and begin to brown. Clear a small space in the pan and saute tomato paste and chipotle peppers in that hot spot until they begin to caramelize and become fragrant. Add spice paste and saute for about 30 seconds until spices become fragrant. Stir tomato paste, chipotle peppers, and spice paste into sautéed onions until the onions are evenly coated.

Add ground beef to the pan and break up with a wooden spoon, stirring constantly to coat meat in onions and spices. Saute until beef is browned. Add crushed tomatoes and water and stir. Bring chili to a boil and reduce heat to a simmer. Allow chili to simmer, stirring occasionally, for about one hour.

Serve chili mixture over hot dogs, nachos, french fries, grilled burgers, or baked potatoes. Add a can or two of drained black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans and serve chili in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, onions, etc.