3 lbs. lean ground beef
1/4 c. olive oil
1 qt. water
2 bay leaves
6 tbsp. chili powder
3 tsp. salt
6-8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
3 tsp. ground cumin
1/2 tsp. red pepper (opt.)
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. sugar
6 tbsp. flour

Heat olive oil, add meat and cook on high heat until meat is gray. In large pot, mix water, bay leaves and meat. Cook covered 2 hours. Remove bay leaves. Add remaining ingredients except flour. Cook 30 minutes (no more, seasonings tend to lose flavor). Add enough cold water to flour to mix well. Add to chili and cook for 5 minutes more.