1 pound dried red kidney beans, sorted and rinsed*
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cup chopped yellow onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
1 quart unsalted beef broth
2 cups water
1 (14.5-ounce) can chili-seasoned diced tomatoes, undrained
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 teaspoons clover honey
1 pound smoked beef brisket, cut into ½-inch pieces
3 tablespoons hot sauce
2½ teaspoons kosher salt
Crackers, to serve
Garnish: fresh oregano leaves, shredded Colby Jack cheese, crushed red pepper
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine beans and water to cover by 2 inches. Cover and let stand for 6 hours to overnight. Drain, discarding liquid.
In a large stock pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in beans, chili powder, oregano, cumin, and red pepper. Add broth and 2 cups water. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to medium-low; cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until beans are tender, 50 minutes to 1 hour.
Stir in tomatoes, tomato paste, and honey. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat to medium; cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes. Stir in brisket, hot sauce, and salt; cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally until broth is thickened and well-seasoned, about 30 minutes more.
Serve with crackers. Garnish with oregano, cheese, and red pepper, if desired.
Notes
*We used Camellia Red Kidney Beans
Recipe by Taste of the South at https://tasteofthesouthmagazine.com/brisket-red-bean-chili/