BLACK BEAN AND BEEF CHILI

Steps:

• Bring 1 cup water to a boil and pour over the dried cherries in a small bowl. Steep the cherries until plump and soft, about 20 minutes. Puree the water, cherries and tomatoes in a blender and reserve.
• Sprinkle the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat the oil a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the beef, in two batches, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 7 minutes per batch. Remove the beef to a plate.
• Reduce the heat to medium, add the onions and peppers and cook, stirring, until the vegetables begin to soften, about 3 minutes. Add the chili powder and oregano, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the tomato-cherry sauce, the soy sauce, chipotle and 2 cups water. Return the beef to the pot and simmer the chili until the meat is tender, about 3 1/2 hours, adding water if necessary to keep the beef submerged.
• Add the black beans and bean liquid to the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Serve with rice and sprinkle with Cheddar.