4 tsp. olive oil
2 pounds bottom round beef, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 (12 oz.) bottle dark beer
2 tsp. finely chopped semi-sweet chocolate
1 large red onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 poblano, seeded and finely chopped
1 tsp. seeded and chopped habanero
1 Thai bird chile, seeded and chopped
1/2 jalapeno, seeded and chopped
1 tsp. chipotle pepper puree
1 tsp. ancho chile powder
1 tsp. pasilla chile powder
1 tsp. cascabel chile powder
1 tsp. New Mexican chile powder
5 C. homemade chicken stock, or canned low-sodium or water
1 (16-oz.) can whole tomatoes, drained and pureed
2 tsp. maple syrup, or more, to taste
Toasted Cumin Crema, recipe follows

Heat 3 tsp. the oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, and sauté until browned on all sides. Sprinkle with the cumin and stir well. Deglaze the pan with the beer and bring to a boil. Stir in the chocolate and cook until beer is almost completely reduced. In a separate pot, add 1 tsp. the oil and add the onions to the pan and cook until soft. Add the garlic and cook for 2 minutes. Add the poblano, habanero, Thai bird, jand alapeno peppers and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the chipotle puree, ancho powder, pasilla powder, cascabel and New Mexican chile powders and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add the chicken stock and tomatoes and bring to a boil and boil for 15 to 20 minutes, or until all vegetables are tender. Puree with an immersion blender. Add the beef mixture back to the pan, reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and simmer for 1 hour, or until thick and beef is tender. Remove from the heat, add the maple syrup, and adjust seasonings. Serve with a dollop of Toasted Cumin Crema.

Toasted Cumin Crema:

1 tsp. cumin seed 1 C. Mexican crema or creme fraiche Salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the cumin in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Toast until lightly golden brown. Place in a small bowl. Stir in the crema and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Place in a squeeze bottle.