Ingredients

1 Tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic (optional) finely minced
2 lbs. lean ground beef
4 cups beef broth
1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 tsp ground allspice (can substitute ground cinnamon)
3 Tbsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cayenne
1 tsp ground cumin seeds
1 tsp flour
2 Tbsp water
1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp ground cloves ( can grind with cumin seeds)
2 Tbsp white or apple cider vinegar
1/2 oz unsweetened chocolate
1/2 tsp salt
1 can tomato paste

Directions

In a covered, 4 quart cast iron dutch oven, brown the ground beef, onions, and garlic in oil over medium heat. Break up clumps of meat with a wooden spoon. Add the beef broth, tomato sauce and allspice. Cook over low heat, barely simmering, about 30 minutes.

Make a thin paste with cloves, cumin, chili powder, cayenne, flour, and 2 Tbsp water. Add the paste to the simmering chili along with the bay leaf, vinegar, & chocolate. Add tomato paste to thicken. Add salt to taste.

Cover and cook over low heat for at least 1 hour.

Serve with cheese, minced onions, and spaghetti.

Credit

Originally derived from a post to the Usenet group rec.recipes circa 1995