Cheeky Tail Chili (Beef Cheeks)

Directions

1. DAY 1 Soak the dried Mexican peppers in water for a few minutes then boil them 15 – 20 minutes until soft. (3-4 each of Ancho, Pasilla, Guaillo, California, New Mexico and Morita, and 1 – 2 each of Chipolte, Arbol, and Habanero. 6-8 Tepins can be used ) All can be found on line at http://www.mexgrocer.com/catagories-spices---herbs-chilipods.html
2. After boiling, remove the peppers and SAVE the water. (Let the water cool then soak the dried red beans in it overnight along with a dried habanero or two. Add more water if needed.)
3. Trim and clean beef cheeks and tails then salt and pepper, dredge them in flour and sear them at a medium high temp in oil and butter until well browned.
4. Put browned cheeks and tails in a large metal pot (or slow cooker) cover with beer and beef stock bring to a boil add the bouquet garni and a few bay leaves then cover and put them overnight (8-10 hours) in a low temperature oven (100 C or so) OR simmer on a stove for 3 – 4 hours or more.
5. Using gloves, clean the stems and seeds from the cooled peppers, and roast until brown in an oven around 200 C along with 5 or 6 chopped and deseeded tomatoes, 2 chopped onions and some garlic. (4 or so cloves) Spices like salt, cumin, cayenne, smoked paprika and celery salt can also be added before roasting. Let cool, then puree the mixture and store in fridge overnight.
6. DAY 2 Boil then simmer the beans 2 -3 hours until soft. (Remove habanero peppers BEFORE boiling if so desired)
7. By now the cheeks and tails should be very soft so remove the meat, bay leaves and bouquet garni and strain the liquid.
8. Separate the tail meat from the bones, chop the cheeks into bite size chunks and return to the strained liquid along with pureed peppers from Day 1. (Depending on the heat level of the puree, you may not need all and can freeze the rest to use elsewhere or use as a side for people to add.)
9. Take Mole paste and mix/whisk it with hot beef stock then add to pot with tomato paste.
10. Roast more cleaned tomatoes, onion, garlic and spices if desired and puree.
11. Remove Merguez sausage from its casing and brown/fry with onions and garlic then strain and add to other meats.
12. Let simmer for a bit then add hot sauces (if desired or needed) to adjust the heat intensity. (I usually don’t add but have on hand Chipolte and Habanero sauces for others to use.)