Andouille Sausage Chili with White Beans
A BRUCE AIDELLS SIGNATURE RECIPE
INGREDIENTS
COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
Drain the beans, rinse and drain again.
To make the chili outdoors, prepare a charcoal or gas grill with medium-high heat. Place a heavy Dutch oven or large pot over the heat. Add the bacon fat or olive oil and Andouille sausage. Fry until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Add ground beef, pinch of salt and pepper and fry until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a fork or slotted spoon, about 5 minutes.. Stir in the onions, carrots, celery and bell pepper and fry until soft, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, bay leaves, chili powder, cumin, oregano and cayenne. Fry until all the meat and vegetables are well coated with the spices, about 2 minutes longer. Add the drained beans and 1½ quarts broth.
Set up the grill for indirect cooking by spreading the coals to the sides, or turning off the center gas jet on a gas grill. Position the pot so there is no heat directly under the pot. Cover the pot and cover the barbecue, adjust the heat so the chili simmers. Cook until the beans are soft, about 1 hour, adding more broth or water to keep the ingredients just submerged, if necessary. If the broth needs more body, simmer uncovered for a few minutes, watching carefully.
Stir the vinegar into the chili. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more vinegar, salt and pepper if desired. Stir in the green onions and serve.