Introduction
Chili con carne is a beloved dish that hails from the Southwestern United States and is a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine. This hearty and flavorful meal combines ground meat, beans, and a medley of spices, making it perfect for a cozy dinner, gatherings, or as a comforting bowl on a chilly day. This article will guide you through a delicious recipe for chili con carne, detailing the ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking times.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Ground beef – 500g
Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Bell pepper – 1, chopped
Canned diced tomatoes – 400g
Canned red kidney beans – 400g, drained and rinsed
Chili powder – 2 tablespoons
Cumin – 1 teaspoon
Paprika – 1 teaspoon
Salt – to taste
Black pepper – to taste
Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
Water or beef broth – 250ml
Prep Time
The preparation time for this chili con carne recipe is approximately 15-20 minutes. This involves chopping vegetables and measuring out the ingredients.
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook time is about 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. The total time from start to finish is around 50-60 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 4 servings, making it a perfect dish for a small family or a gathering of friends. Enjoy this delicious and satisfying chili con carne paired with rice, crusty bread, or tortilla chips!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Ensure that you have everything ready for cooking.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat some oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
Step 3: Brown the Meat
Add ground beef to the pot. Cook until the meat is thoroughly browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. Mix well to coat the meat and vegetables in the spices, allowing the flavors to develop.
Step 5: Incorporate the Tomatoes
Stir in canned diced tomatoes along with their juice. This will add moisture to the mixture.
Step 6: Combine the Beans
Add drained and rinsed beans into the pot. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Step 7: Simmer the Chili
Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Allow the chili to simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 8: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
After simmering, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more spices according to your preference.
Step 9: Serve the Chili
Once the chili has thickened to your desired consistency, serve it hot with your choice of toppings.
Notes
Note 1: Bean Varieties
You can use a mix of different bean varieties, such as kidney beans and black beans, to enhance the flavor and texture.
Note 2: Vegetarian Option
For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with lentils or more beans.
Note 3: Additional Toppings
Consider serving with toppings such as sour cream, grated cheese, chopped green onions, or cilantro.
Note 4: Storage
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
