Hearty Bison Chili from Scratch

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Hearty Bison Chili from Scratch.

1. Step 1

   Start by rinsing your dried red beans thoroughly, then place them in a large pot with 3 quarts of cold water.

2. Step 2

   Let the beans soak for about 8 hours or overnight to ensure they soften beautifully.

3. Step 3

   Once they’ve soaked, drain the beans and return them to the pot, adding 3 quarts of fresh water.

4. Step 4

   Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered until the beans are tender, which should take around 1 to 2 hours.

5. Step 5

   After they’re cooked, drain the beans and set them aside for later.

6. Step 6

   In a 4-quart stockpot, warm up some vegetable oil over medium heat.

7. Step 7

   Toss in the diced onion and sauté it until it becomes soft and fragrant, which should take about 5 to 10 minutes.

8. Step 8

   Next, add the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute, filling your kitchen with a delightful aroma.

9. Step 9

   Now, it’s time to introduce the ground bison to the pot.

10. Step 10

    Cook it until it’s nicely browned, which will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

11. Step 11

    Once the bison is ready, stir in the chopped tomatoes along with their juices, creating a rich base for your chili.

12. Step 12

    In a small bowl, mix together red pepper flakes, ground cumin, dried oregano, chili powder, sea salt, ground white pepper, and paprika.

13. Step 13

    This spice blend is the secret to elevating your chili’s flavor, so make sure to combine it well before adding it to the stockpot.

14. Step 14

    Stir everything together, then pour in 1 cup of water.

15. Step 15

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, which should take about 5 minutes, before reducing the heat to low and letting it simmer uncovered for an hour.

16. Step 16

    After an hour of simmering, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

17. Step 17

    Now, it’s time to add the cooked beans back into the pot and mix them in thoroughly.

18. Step 18

    For that perfect medium-thick consistency, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of masa flour on top and gently stir it in.

19. Step 19

    Cover the pot and let the chili simmer over low heat for another hour, allowing all those wonderful flavors to meld together.

20. Step 20

    Once the hour is up, uncover the pot and give the chili a good stir.

21. Step 21

    If you want to thicken it up a bit more, add another tablespoon of masa flour and continue to simmer uncovered over low heat.

22. Step 22

    Keep an eye on it as it cooks, which may take an additional 60 to 90 minutes, until it reaches your desired thickness.

23. Step 23

    If you find it’s not thickening as much as you’d like, feel free to cover the pot or add a teaspoon of masa flour to help control the consistency.

24. Step 24

    Enjoy the process and savor the deliciousness that’s about to come!.