Two-Tomato Stew Chili

1. Drain the dried tomatoes, reserving 2 tablespoons of the oil. Chop tomatoes; set aside. In a Dutch oven heat the reserved oil over medium-high heat. Brown beef, half at a time.

2. Return all beef to Dutch oven. Add onions, garlic, sweet peppers, and carrots; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in chopped dried tomatoes, raisins, cumin, and crushed red pepper; cook for 2 minutes. Stir in undrained green chiles; cook for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of water; bring to boiling. Reduce heat to medium. Simmer, covered, for 1 to 1-1/14 hours, stirring occasionally, until meat is tender. Remove from heat. Add salt and pepper. Top with cheese and, if desired, sliced dried tomatoes. If desired, serve with baguette slices.