Chef John's Italian Sausage Chili

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1.25 pounds hot Italian sausage , casings removed
• 1.25 pounds mild Italian sausage , casings removed
• 1 onion , chopped
• salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons ancho chile powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
• 0.5 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2.5 cups water , or as needed
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 2 cans cannellini beans , 15 ounce
• 1 red bell pepper , diced
• 1 green bell pepper , diced

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Cook and stir hot and mild Italian sausage, onion, and a pinch of salt in hot oil until sausage is browned and crumbly, and most of the liquid is evaporated, about 10 minutes.

2. 2

   Stir in ancho chile powder, paprika, cumin, black pepper, chipotle chile powder, and oregano; sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

3. 3

   Pour in water and tomato purée; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook at a steady simmer until sausage is tender, about 45 minutes. Add more water as needed and skim any fat that floats to the top.

4. 4

   Stir in beans and bell peppers. Simmer until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Season with salt.