Pot Likker Chili with Beans

FOR THE POT LIKKER: 1 large bunch of collards

8 quarts water

2 whole tabasco peppers

1 1/2 pounds smoked pork jowls

8 whole cloves of garlic -- peeled

2 cups distilled vinegar

2 tablespoons black pepper

1/2 onion

FOR THE CHILI: 6 quarts pot likker

2 bay leaves

1 3 pound smoked chuck roast

2 1/2 pounds hamburger

2 pounds pinto beans

84 ounces canned tomatoes -- roughly chopped

6 ounces tomato paste

5 chipotle peppers -- roughly shredded

4 red jalapeno peppers -- chopped

1 habanero pepper -- chopped

3 large onions -- chopped

2 heads garlic -- pressed

2 tablespoons whole cumin seeds -- roasted

2 tablespoons whole black mustard seeds -- roasted

4 tablespoons cumin powder

4 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons oregano -- crushed

2 tablespoons dried shrimp

2 tablespoons black pepper

1/2 cup worcestershire sauce

1/2 cup nuoc mam

12 ounces cheap American beer

This is hardly a traditional (Texas) recipe for chili, but it turned out pretty good.

First, make the pot likker. Wash and soak the collard greens, remove the leaves from the stems, and put into a large pot. Add water, vinegar, tabasco peppers, garlic cloves, onion, smoked pork jowl, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for six to eight hours. Remove and reserve collards for another meal; strain pot likker and reserve.

Now, add pinto beans and bay leaves to the pot likker, bring to a boil, and simmer until beans are semi-soft. Cut smoked chuck roast into bite-sized chunks and add to the pot. Fry up hamburger, drain fat, chop, and add to the pot. In a small frying pan roast the cumin and mustard seeds, crush in a mortar and pestle, and add to the chili. Add all other ingredients, bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 2 hours, stirring occassionally. Remove from heat, and serve.