SQUASH AND CHIPOTLE CHILI WITH BLACK BEANS AND HOMINY

Steps:

• Heat 2 tablespoons oil in Dutch oven or heavy kettle over high heat. Brown the beef, one quarter at a time, adding oil as needed. Transfer to a bowl with a slotted spoon.
• Lower heat to medium-high, add remaining oil to pan and stir in onion, garlic and jalapenos. Season well with salt, and saute until softened, 5 to 10 minutes. Return beef to pan, and add broth, beer, chili powder and half the cumin and oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, until meat is very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
• Meanwhile, heat oven to 350 degrees. Halve and seed squash, and lay cut side down on baking sheet. Bake until very soft, about 1 hour. Cool, then scrape out flesh and mash coarsely.
• Add squash puree and remaining cumin and oregano to pot, and simmer 15 minutes. Add water if necessary to keep mixture moist. Chop 2 chipotles, and stir into pot with their sauce. Add black beans and hominy, and simmer 10 to 15 minutes longer. Chili should be stewlike rather than soupy. Taste, and add more chipotles and salt if desired. Serve in bowls garnished with sour cream and scallions.