When the weather is cold (and sometimes even when it isn’t), I think of warm soups and stews. And chili has got to be one of the most hearty soups around. It’s the ideal meal or lunch, packed with spices and ground beef, and finished with beans. This East Coast variation contains beer, which adds extra flavor.

Forget about adding water or stock to the saucepan; beer makes this chili a genuinely unique dish.To begin this recipe, brown the ground beef and then remove it using a slotted spoon. Then, remove the fat and mix in the peppers and onions, as well as the many spices used in this savory recipe. In addition to conventional chili powder, this chili contains paprika, red pepper flakes, cumin, thyme, and garlic powder.

Once everything is heated together, add the beer, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste. Lager is ideal here, although a pilsner or IPA can suffice in a pinch. The only exception is that using a stout like Guinness or a fruity Belgian lager will most likely alter the flavor of the chili significantly.For a thicker chili, add 12 ounces of beer; for a thinner chili (the kind that pairs well with saltines), add 24 ounces of beer.

In addition to the spices and beer, this chili contains a few other secret elements. Honey and Tabasco sauce enhance the chili’s spiciness and depth of flavor. My mother used to remark that no chili recipe was complete without some honey or sugar to combine the flavors. And she was correct!

This recipe also asks for one can of kidney beans, which I believe are a vital ingredient in any chili. If you want, you can substitute black beans or leave altogether the beans entirely. This is a contentious issue because chili with beans is regarded an abomination in some parts of the country. With or without the beans, this recipe is one of the greatest chilis I’ve ever made.\

The final step is to let the chili simmer for 45 minutes. It could seem like a long time, but excellent things are worth the wait! Finally, top with sour cream, shredded cheddar, and/or minced chives for an immensely gratifying and flavorful chili.