Serendipity's Southern Chili

8 Servings

4 T butter
1 onion, large, coarsely chopped
4 lb beef, lean, hamburger grind
8 T red chile, hot, ground
4 T red chile, mild, ground
3 T cumin, ground
3 garlic cloves, medium, crushed
1 T black pepper, freshly ground
1 T salt
1 T sugar
1 cn tomatoes, whole(12oz ea)
4 cn kidney beans, w/h2o(16oz ea)

1. Melt the butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
Add the onion and cook until it is translucent. 2. Combine the meat with the ground chile, cumin, garlic, and pepper.
Add this meat-and-spice mixture to the pot. Break up any lumps with a fork and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is evenly browned. 3.
Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer, uncovered, for at least 4 hours but as many as 8 if possible.
Stir occasionally. Taste and adjust seasonings.