Chili Con Carne Recipe
Description:
This Chili Con Carne recipe is a delightful departure from the mainstream versions you might be accustomed to. Bursting with a distinctive aroma and an equally impressive taste, it’s a culinary gem that originated from a very old Mexican cookbook my mum purchased 20 years ago.
Recipe Category: One Dish Meal 🍲
Keywords: Pork, Meat, Mexican, Spicy, Weeknight, Stove Top, < 4 Hours
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 679.9
- Fat Content: 32.8g
- Saturated Fat Content: 12.2g
- Cholesterol Content: 132.3mg
- Sodium Content: 2420.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 47.3g
- Fiber Content: 14g
- Sugar Content: 13.4g
- Protein Content: 51.3g
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef | 500g |
| Pork | 500g |
| Onion | 1 |
| Tomato Paste | 1 |
| Garlic Cloves | 2 |
| Tomato Sauce | 1 |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Mild Chili Powder | 1-4 tbsp |
| Salt | 2 tsp |
| Oregano | 2 tsp |
| Cumin | 2 tsp |
| Red Kidney Beans | 1 can |
Instructions:
-
Brown the Meat:
- In a large pan, add the pork and beef, and brown the meat over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
-
Add Aromatics and Liquids:
- Once the meat is browned, add in the chopped onion, minced garlic cloves, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
-
Seasoning Blend:
- In a small bowl, mix together the cocoa powder, chili powder (adjust according to your spice preference), salt, cumin, and oregano. Slowly add this seasoning blend to the pan, stirring continuously to evenly distribute the flavors.
-
Simmering:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the meat is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully. Alternatively, for a hands-off approach, transfer all ingredients to a crockpot and cook on LOW for 8-10 hours.
-
Final Touch:
- About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the drained red kidney beans. This final addition adds a delightful texture and flavor to the chili.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the chili into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños. This dish pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas or crusty bread.
Recipe Notes:
- This Chili Con Carne recipe is quite unique as it uses cubed meats rather than ground meat. This lends a heartier texture to the dish, making it even more satisfying.
- Feel free to customize the spice level according to your taste preferences. Adjust the amount of chili powder to make it milder or spicier.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for longer preservation. Simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
With its rich flavor profile and comforting warmth, this Chili Con Carne recipe is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings with friends and family, it’s a dish that never fails to impress. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on a flavorful journey to Mexico with every spoonful of this delicious chili! 🌶️🥄
