Dynamite Chili With Beans

2 cups water

1/2 cup dried pinto beans, soaked overnight then drained

1 T oil or bacon drippings

1 onion, sliced

1/2 green bell pepper, cored, seeded and chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

2/3 lb boneless pork, cut into 1/2" cubes

1/3 lb beef stew meat, cut into 1/2" cubes

16 oz canned whole tomatoes, drained

2 T chili powder

1 diced green chile, Jalapeno or Serrano

1 tsp dried oregano, preferably Mexican, crumbled

2 tsp cumin

1/3 C dry red wine

salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

2 T prepared tortilla flour or masa harina (or cornmeal), mixed with water to form a paste (optional)

Combine water and beans in medium saucepan and bring to boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 1 hour.

Heat oil in large skillet over med-high heat. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic. Saute until tender. Transfer to dutch oven and set aside. Add pork and beef to same skillet. Brown well.

Stir into vegetablesin dutch oven. Add beans and their liquid along with tomatoes and seasonings. Mix well, cover and simmer 1 hour. Add wine and cook, uncovered, 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. If mixture is too liquid, stir in some of the tortilla flour paste to thicken. Serves 4