Sirloin and black bean chili dish easily prepared in under an hour

This one's relatively quick and employs the technique of flavoring and cooking the meat separately, then adding it as a substantial topping, as it were.

Serve with baked flour tortilla triangles or warm corn bread and a dark, full-bodied, malty beer.

Sirloin and Black Bean Chili

Serves: 4

• 1 1/2 pounds sirloin steak (can be in 2 or 3 pieces)

• 4 to 6 teaspoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 1 medium sweet onion

• 1 medium green bell pepper

• 2 medium cloves garlic

• 1 small jalapeño pepper

• 5 or 6 ripe tomatoes

• 3 1/2 to 4 cups canned black beans (from two 15-ounce cans)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1/2 cup water

• Leaves from 6 to 8 stems cilantro

Trim off and discard any excess fat from the steak.

Combine 1 teaspoon of the chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of the cumin and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt in a small bowl; rub the mixture into both sides of the steak.

Melt the butter in a large skillet over high heat (and turn on your exhaust fan). Sear the steak for 2 minutes on each side, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Meanwhile, cut the onion and bell pepper into small dice. Mince the garlic and jalapeño pepper, discarding the jalapeño stem and seeds. Cut the tomatoes into 1/2- to 3/4-inch pieces; seed, if desired. Drain and rinse the black beans.

Add the oil to the same skillet that was used to cook the steak; heat over high heat. Add the diced onion, garlic and peppers; cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly, then add the tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to release their juices. Add the water and return to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 3 to 5 teaspoons of chili powder (to taste), the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cumin and the drained beans; mix well.

While the chili is cooking, coarsely chop the cilantro.

Cook the chili for 15 to 17 minutes, until it has darkened and the vegetables have softened. Then place the large pieces of cooked steak in the chili (to warm the meat through). Cook undisturbed for 3 minutes, then turn off the heat. Transfer the steak to a cutting board. Cut into thin slices.

Add the cilantro to the chili; taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding the remaining salt if desired. Divide among individual bowls; fan slices of steak over each portion. Serve hot.

Per serving: 637 calories, 49 g protein, 41 g carbohydrates, 30 g fat, 11 g saturated fat, 87 mg cholesterol, 686 mg sodium, 14 g dietary fiber, 5 g sugar

Adapted from "The Everything Soup, Stew & Chili Cookbook," by Belinda Hulin (Adams Media, 2009).