While you may not be able to eat this hearty meal off the back end of a chuckwagon, you can always pop a DVD of True Grit in the player and be a couch cowboy for a while. Ladled over a plateful of rice or thick slabs of multi-grain bread, this makes a tasty meal for cowboys and devils alike.

 

Ingredients (Serves 4 couch cowboys, 2 hungry real cowboys)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, chopped

6 smoked bratwurst, cut into ½” (12mm) thick rounds

1 15oz can tomatoes

2 15oz cans white beans, rinsed & drained

¼ cup molasses

2 tbsp ketchup

2 tbsp wholegrain mustard

2 tbsp chili powder

2 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

 

1. In a large dutch oven or other heavy pot, heat the oil on medium-low. Add the onions and cook for 5 minutes, until lightly browned.

2. Add the bratwurst and cook for 8-10 minutes, until wurst is lightly browned.

3. Add the tomatoes and coarsely break them up with a wooden spatula.

4. Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a simmer. Lower the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 ½ hours. Stir occasionally.