BUFFALO BLACK BEAN CHILI

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 pounds cubed buffalo meat or beef flank steak

6 cloves garlic

3 cups diced yellow onion

2 cups water

2 tablespoons cumin

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon chipotle powder

2 teaspoons oregano

2 teaspoons salt

1 teaspoon cayenne

3 6-ounce cans of tomato paste

2 teaspoons sugar

3 cups diced fresh tomatoes

1 cup diced red bell pepper

1 cup diced green bell pepper

1 cup diced sweet potato

3 cups cooked black beans

1 cup chopped cilantro

2 1/2 cups beef broth

Grated cheddar cheese

Heat olive oil in large pot over medium-high heat. Add meat and saute until brown, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and onion and saute 5 minutes. Add water and bring to a boil. Add cumin, chili powder, chipotle, oregano, salt and cayenne. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add tomato paste and sugar and simmer for 5 minutes. Add tomatoes, bell peppers and sweet potatoes and simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Add black beans and cilantro. Add beef broth, 1/2 cup at time, until thinned to desired consistency.

Top with grated cheese and serve.

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E-mail: vphillips@desnews.com