Chili Con Carne is a classic comfort food that's rich, hearty, and full of flavor. It's perfect for a cozy meal and can be customized with various spices and ingredients. Here's a basic recipe to make a delicious pot of chili con carne:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 500 g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (400 g or 14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400 g or 14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (400 g or 14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream and shredded cheese (for serving, optional)
Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Cook the Beef:
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Add the Vegetables:
- Stir in the chopped bell peppers, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
4. Add the Liquids and Seasonings:
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans (if using), beef broth, and tomato paste.
- Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Mix well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Simmer the Chili:
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally. The flavors will meld together, and the chili will thicken.
6. Adjust Seasonings:
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder according to your taste preference.
7. Serve:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley.
- Top with sour cream and shredded cheese if desired.
Optional Additions:
- Corn: Add a cup of frozen corn for extra sweetness and texture.
- Spicy: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a chopped jalapeño for extra heat.
- Toppings: Serve with chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, or diced avocado for added flavor.
Chili con carne is great for making in advance and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage. It also pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. Enjoy your delicious and hearty chili!
