Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
6                       dried ancho or pasilla chilies
3 1/2     cups          beef broth
3         lb            boneless beef chuck, cut in 1/2" cubes
2         tbsp          vegetable oil
1         large         onion, chopped
4         large         garlic cloves, crushed & finely chopped
1/2       tsp           salt
2         tsp           ground cumin seed
1         tbsp          chili powder
1         tbsp          cornmeal, optional

Preparation:

Remove stems and seeds from chilies. Coarsely chop chilies. Place in bowl, cover with boiling beef broth and let steep for 30 minutes. Heat oil in large Dutch oven, add onion and cook, stirring constantly, until soft and lightly browned. Add garlic, salt and beef cubes. Cook, stirring constantly, just until beef loses its pink color. Strain chilies, reserving liquid and chilies. Stir 2 1/2 cups of chili liquid into beef. Stir in chili powder and ground cumin seed and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, over medium-low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Place soaked chilies and remaining liquid in blender container, cover and blend until smooth. (If necessary, add 1/2 cup more of water to make blending easier.) Add mixture to beef and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes or until meat is tender. If a thicker chili is desired, gradually stir in cornmeal 1 tablespoon at a time then cook, stirring constantly, until thickened. Taste and season with salt as desired. Remove from heat and ladle into bowls. Serve with a variety of condiments such as chopped yellow peppers, red onions, tomatoes, avocado, fresh lime juice or grated cheese.