A Hearty and Spicy Delight: Chili Con Carne Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, flavour-packed dish to warm you up, look no further than a classic Chili Con Carne. This hearty Mexican-inspired dish is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something comforting and full of spice. Made with a rich blend of beef, beans, tomatoes, and fragrant spices, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves bold flavours and a touch of heat in their meals.

Ingredients:

– 500g minced beef
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (400g) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
– 1 tbsp tomato paste
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spiciness)
– 1/2 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 300ml beef stock
– Fresh coriander leaves, chopped, for garnish
– Sour cream and grated cheddar cheese, to serve
– Cooked rice or crusty bread, to accompany

Instructions:

1. Cooking the Base:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Increase the heat slightly and add the minced beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.

2. Adding Flavour:

1. Stir in the diced red bell pepper and cook for a few more minutes until it begins to soften.
2. Add the ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried oregano. Stir well to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.

3. Bringing it All Together:

1. Pour in the chopped tomatoes and beef stock, then add the tomato paste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
2. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add the drained and rinsed red kidney beans to the chili and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serving Your Chili Con Carne:

1. Once the chili is ready, serve it hot, garnished with chopped fresh coriander leaves.
2. Accompany it with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese.
3. Serve the chili con carne with cooked rice or crusty bread on the side to soak up the flavoursome sauce.

Enjoy Your Culinary Creation:

This Chili Con Carne recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining hearty textures and bold flavours for a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or simply looking to treat yourself to a delicious homemade dish, this recipe is sure to impress. Make a big batch and enjoy the leftovers for an even more flavourful meal the next day. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savour every spoonful of this spicy delight!