Chili With Chocolate

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) dried red or variegated heirloom beans
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 pounds (1kg) beef stewing meat, such as boneless short ribs or chuck roast, cut into 1-inch (3 cm) cubes
• 3 teaspoons salt (total), smoked if available
• 2 to 4 dried chiles, or one fresh chile, minced
• about 2 tablespoons cooking oil
• 2 medium onions, peeled and diced
• 4 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 2-3 teaspoons red chile powder
• 1 teaspoon ancho chile powder (if available, otherwise use an additional teaspoon red chile powder)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 cups (50cl) beer
• 2 cans (15oz, 200g each) crushed or diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 ounces (55g) unsweetened chocolate
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar or lime juice