We are doing one of President Obamas favourite foods-chili con carne. After researching what he likes to eat we are hoping that he would like this recipe better than his own. Here is a link to President Obama's Chili recipe.

Chili Con Carne Americano

Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground beef or buffalo - grass-fed if available 
2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 large onion- diced
1 stick celery-stripped in two then thinly sliced
4-5 cloves garlic diced
3 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 Tsp. oregano
2 Tbsp. cumin
1 Beer
Juice of one lime
2 ozs. or half a block achiote paste
1-2 Tbsp. dried whole chipotle- chopped or 1 1/2 tbsp. chipotle powder 
(spice it up to your taste)
1-1 1/2 cups chicken stock
1- 28 oz. can or 2 small cans of red kidney beans
Salt and white pepper to taste

Method:
In a large cast iron pot on medium heat, add the olive oil, onions, celery and garlic. Saute until they are tender then add the meat. Raise the heat to med/high and sear until the meat is browned. While the meat is browning, place a small sauce pot on medium heat and add half of the beer, the lime juice and achiote. Stir until the achiote paste dissolves. When the meat has browned, add the tomato paste, oregano, cumin and pour in the beer and achiote liquid. Stir well, cover and reduce heat to low to simmer. Stir periodically. If using dried chipotle add the remaining beer to the sauce pot on med-low heat along with the chipotle and half cup of chicken stock. This will rehydrate the dried chipotle while the chili is simmering for 45 minutes. This is not necessary if using chipotle powder. The powder may be added directly to the chili along with half of the beer. If the chili starts to dry out add some more of the chicken stock as needed and stir well. After 45 minutes add the beans and remaining beer and chipotle liquid. Stir well, cover and continue to simmer on low heat for another 45 mins. to 1 hour. Note: the achiote paste has salt in it so keep this in mind before seasoning with salt and pepper.

Another original mouth-watering recipe From Kosta the Fishmonger ... for you to savour!

We welcome your feedback or questions at kostaz@telus.net or do stop by the Salmon Shop or Screaming Mimi’s Lonsdale Quay Market, North Vancouver.