Step 1 of 4

Soften the onion and pepper

Heat the oil in a large pot over a medium heat and cook the onions and peppers with a teaspoon of the salt for 12 minutes, until soft and beginning to catch. Add the garlic for the last minute.

— Let them get a little color at the edges. Pale onions leave a chili tasting flat no matter how much spice goes in afterwards.