Looks amazing!

Weather is finally turning cool and rainy here. Time for chili! Tried a few things differently from my usual recipe. Whole dried chilies instead of chili powder, different sources of tomato, and a couple other things. Super happy with it! Very flavourful, mild heat(I keep it mild to appease certain... weaker constitutions, but serve it with a spread of hot sauces), rich, meaty. Definitely a keeper!

I would eat the hell out of these

Looks amazing. When I make mine, I use a mix of ancho chiles (pasillas will do too) and 4 or so Guajillo or New Mexico or California dried chiles, and a few Arbol chiles (don’t use any more than 4 unless you want a very spicy meal). Toast them lightly, and soak in water for 20 minutes before chopping up.

Sounds amazing! I used a mix of ancho, guahillo, pasilla, and a few dried chipotle. Same method as you, but I used stock instead of water and then I threw it all in a blender to make a paste. Works a real treat!

What does the soaking in water accomplish?

Softens them up. So the texture isn’t gritty or chewy.

Thanks, I'll give it a try!