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Ultimate Chilli Con Carne Recipe

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3.9 from 88 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Chilli Con Carne recipe simmered for over an hour to develop deep, rich flavors. This classic dish features minced beef, red wine, a blend of aromatic spices, beans, and a hint of dark chocolate for added depth. Served with rice, fresh coriander, and sour cream, it’s perfect for a comforting family meal.

Ingredients

Meat and Vegetables

  • 2 tbsp neutral oil (or olive oil)
  • 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped/crushed
  • 500 g (1.1 lbs) minced beef
  • 2 red bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 chopped fresh chilli (more if preferred)

Liquids and Sauces

  • 360 ml (1 1/2 cups) full-bodied red wine
  • 180 ml (3/4 cup) beef stock (hot water plus 2 stock cubes is fine)
  • 4 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 tbsp tomato puree (paste for US)
  • 1 tbsp tomato ketchup
  • 1 tsp chipotle paste

Canned Goods

  • 4 x 400 ml (4 x 14 oz) tins chopped tomatoes
  • 2 x 400g (2 x 14 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 x 420g (1 x 14 oz) can mixed beans, drained and rinsed

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 4 tsp cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 2 tsp hot chilli powder
  • 3 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp mixed herbs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • Small bunch chopped fresh coriander (cilantro)

Other Ingredients

  • 2 chunks dark chocolate (80 or 90% cocoa)
  • Cooked rice, to serve
  • Fresh coriander (cilantro), to garnish
  • Sour cream, to serve
  • Chopped fresh chillies, to garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Heat the neutral oil in a very large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them for about 5-6 minutes until they turn soft and translucent.
  2. Add garlic: Stir in the chopped/crushed garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its aroma, ensuring it doesn’t burn.
  3. Brown the mince: Add the minced beef to the pan, cooking until browned. Break up any large chunks with a wooden spoon for even cooking.
  4. Deglaze with red wine: Pour in the full-bodied red wine, bringing it to a bubble, then simmer for 3 minutes to let the alcohol evaporate and flavor the meat.
  5. Combine stock and sauces: In a jug, mix the hot beef stock, Worcestershire sauce, and honey. Pour this mixture into the pan and stir well to combine all flavors.
  6. Add peppers and tomatoes: Stir in the chopped red bell peppers and cook for another minute, then mix in the tins of chopped tomatoes to build the chili base.
  7. Season the chili: Add smoked paprika, cumin, ground coriander, hot chilli powder, ground ginger, mixed herbs, salt, black pepper, and the chopped fresh chilli. Stir thoroughly and cook for 2-3 minutes to toast the spices.
  8. Incorporate tomato and chocolate: Mix in the tomato puree, tomato ketchup, chipotle paste, and chunks of dark chocolate. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently for one hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  9. Add beans and simmer: After one hour, stir in the drained kidney beans and mixed beans. Allow the chili to simmer for another 20-30 minutes. This is a good time to cook rice if serving alongside.
  10. Finish with fresh coriander: Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh coriander to add a fresh, bright flavor.
  11. Serve: Spoon the chili con carne over cooked rice and garnish with additional fresh coriander, sour cream, and chopped fresh chillies if desired.

Notes

  • You can adjust the heat by adding more fresh chillies or increasing the amount of chilli powder.
  • For a richer flavor, use a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
  • The dark chocolate adds depth and balances the acidity of the tomatoes; do not omit.
  • Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
  • This recipe freezes well, so make extra for quick meals later.

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/ultimate-chilli-con-carne-recipe/