Smitty's Steak Chili and Skillet Corn Bread

Steak Chili:

2/3 cup corn oil
2 onions, chopped
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 shallots, minced
2 jalapeños, minced
2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
2 tablespoons New Mexico chile powder
1/4 cup dried oregano
3 tablespoons cumin
4 teaspoons salt
1/4 cup tomato paste
2 chipotle chiles (canned in adobo sauce), minced (about 1 tablespoon)
3 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
3 cups beef broth
4 pounds flap meat, cut into large dice (can substitute skirt or flank steak)

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the oil over medium heat until hot. Stir in the onions, garlic, shallots and jalapeños and sauté until softened, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the ancho and New Mexico chile powders, the oregano, cumin and salt, along with the tomato paste, chipotle chiles and tomatoes. Add the beef broth and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally.

Stir in the beef, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, partially covered, until the meat is tender and the liquid is reduced and thickened, about 2 hours. Stir occasionally, checking to make sure the heat is gentle and the chili does not burn. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. This makes about 10 cups (2 1/2 quarts) of chili. While the chili is cooking, make the corn bread.

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Iron Skillet Corn Bread:

2 1/2 cups (10.6 ounces) flour, plus 2/3 cup flour, divided
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 cup creamed corn
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon ricotta cheese
4 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon cornmeal, plus 2/3 cup cornmeal, divided
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, plus 2/3 cup sugar, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup fresh corn kernels
1/2 cup (1 stick) plus 3 tablespoons butter, melted

Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour and the baking powder.

In a large bowl, stir together the creamed corn, ricotta cheese, eggs, vegetable oil, one-half cup plus 1 tablespoon cornmeal, one-half cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, the salt and corn kernels. Stir in the flour mixture a little at a time until incorporated.

Spoon the mixture into a 10 1/2-inch seasoned cast iron skillet or similar-sized greased baking pan.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining two-thirds cup each flour, cornmeal and sugar. Stir in the melted butter until combined to form a crumbly mixture. Drizzle the crumble topping over the corn bread base.

Bake the corn bread until puffed and lightly browned on top and a cake tester or knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 30 to 45 minutes.

Serves: 12 person