Frank X Tolbert's Original Bowl of Red

Dive into a bowl of bold Texan tradition with Frank X Tolbert's Original Bowl of Red, a legendary take on classic chili that’s rich, hearty, and filled with authentic Lone Star flavors. Featuring tender, slow-simmered chunks of beef chuck infused with the smoky depth of dried ancho and guajillo chiles, this recipe delivers a perfectly balanced heat and vibrant, earthy spices like cumin and Mexican oregano. Thickened with masa harina for a luxuriously velvety texture, this chili is simmered to perfection, creating a soul-warming dish that's perfect for gatherings or any chili aficionado. Served with fresh lime wedges for a zesty finish, this chili is traditionally enjoyed solo but also pairs beautifully with cornbread or warm tortillas. Whether you're craving comfort food or a taste of Texan heritage, this recipe is sure to impress!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:150 mins

Total Time:170 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds Beef chuck, trimmed and cubed
• 2 tablespoons Lard or bacon drippings
• 1 medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
• 4 pods Dried ancho chili pods, stems and seeds removed
• 4 pods Dried guajillo chili pods, stems and seeds removed
• 4 cups Water or beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Cumin seeds, toasted and ground
• 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1 teaspoon Salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 2 tablespoons Masa harina (corn flour)
• 1 lime Fresh lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 1

Begin by preparing the chili pods. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and toast the chili pods for about 30 seconds on each side, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.

Step 2

Place the toasted chili pods in a bowl and cover them with 2 cups of hot water. Let them soak for 20 minutes until softened. Once softened, blend the chili pods with their soaking water in a blender until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3

While the chili pods are soaking, trim and cube the beef chuck into bite-sized pieces. Season the beef lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 4

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the lard or bacon drippings over medium-high heat. Brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the same pot. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.

Step 6

Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Step 7

Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the blended chili mixture, followed by 2 cups of water or beef broth. Stir to combine.

Step 8

Add the ground cumin, Mexican oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 9

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently for about 2 hours. Stir occasionally and check the liquid level, adding more water or broth if needed to maintain a thick but stew-like consistency.

Step 10

Towards the end of cooking, mix the masa harina with 2 tablespoons of water to create a smooth slurry. Stir this into the chili to thicken it slightly and give it a rich, velvety texture. Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Step 11

Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or spices as needed.

Step 12

Serve the chili hot with lime wedges on the side for a fresh burst of flavor. Traditionally, this dish is served on its own, but it pairs well with cornbread, tortillas, or a side of rice if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2150.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2775.7

Total Fat 212.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 704.7mg	0%
Sodium 2935.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 61.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 17.1g	0%
Total Sugars 18.1g
Protein 181.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 344.8mg	0%
Iron 31.1mg	0%
Potassium 3689.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 66.3%

Protein: 25.2%

Carbs: 8.5%