Mama Gorman's "Love-At-First-Bite" Chili

Bottom Line: My coworker's Mom is one of the best cooks I have EVER met. She takes it upon herself to drop off scrumptious treats every week ranging from banana bread, to quiche, to a variety of homemade soups. Last week, I had the pleasure of tasting her Chili for the first time at it was A-MAZING! This one will definitely be swooping in to steal first place in my book!

Mama Gorman's "Love-At-First-Bite" Chili
(serves an army)

Disclaimer: Generally chili is best if made the day before, allowing all flavors to blend.

Ingredients:
¼ cup olive oil
3 yellow onions, coarsely chopped
1 lb. Italian sausage (casing removed)
4 lbs. ground chuck
¾ tablespoon ground black pepper
1-1/2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons ground cumin
4 tablespoons chili powder
¼ cup Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons dried basil
2 tablespoons dried oregano
3 lbs. canned Italian plum tomatoes (drained)
1 - 12 ounce can tomato paste
¼ cup burgundy wine
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
¼ cup chopped fresh Italian (flat leaf) parsley
1 -2 cans of the beans of your choice (drained)

Directions:
1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy pot.  Add the onions and cook over low heat until tender - about 10 minutes.
2. In a separate frying pan, crumble the sausage meat and ground chuck and cook over medium high heat, stirring often, until the meats are well browned.  (Best done in batches)  Drain well and add to pot with onions.
3. Add all dry ingredients and blend well into meat and onions.  Add liquid ingredients and allow everything to simmer for at least one hour, adding beans in the last quarter hour. 
4. Taste to correct seasonings and serve with your favorite accompaniments.

Note:  If you like a spicier/hotter chili, you can add jalapenos or habaneras to your taste or you can dice them and use as an accompaniment.