Skip to content
Home » Chilli

Chilli





Hearty and Spicy Chilli Recipe

Description

This hearty and spicy chilli recipe is perfect for warming up on a cold day. With its rich blend of spices, tender beans, and succulent ground beef, this dish offers a delicious combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual family dinner or a game-day feast, this chilli will impress everyone with its robust taste and comforting warmth.

Ingredients

For the Chilli:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Tortilla chips or cornbread

Instructions Step-by-Step for Making Chilli

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat the Oil:
    • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Cook the Onions and Garlic:
    • Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

  1. Add the Beef:
    • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the Peppers:
    • Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers, cooking until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Combine and Simmer

  1. Add the Tomatoes and Beans:
    • Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans.
  2. Add the Broth and Spices:
    • Stir in the beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Simmer the Chilli:
    • Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. For best results, let it simmer for an hour to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Adjust Seasonings and Serve

  1. Taste and Adjust:
    • After simmering, taste the chilli and adjust the seasonings if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
  2. Serve the Chilli:
    • Ladle the chilli into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and tortilla chips or cornbread on the side.

Tips and Variations for Chilli

Tips for Perfect Chilli

  • Spice Levels:
    • Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level. If you prefer a milder chilli, omit the cayenne altogether.
  • Meat Options:
    • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. You can also use a mix of ground beef and ground pork for a richer flavor.
  • Bean Choices:
    • Use any combination of beans you prefer, such as cannellini beans or garbanzo beans, for different textures and flavors.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Chilli:
    • Omit the ground beef and add more beans or lentils. You can also add vegetables like zucchini, corn, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version.
  • Chilli con Carne:
    • For a more traditional take, use only kidney beans and add some chopped green chilies for an extra kick.
  • Slow Cooker Chilli:
    • Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This method is great for a hands-off approach.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Preparation Time: 20 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 350
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Curiosities and Historical Facts about Chilli

Origins of Chilli

Chilli, also known as chilli con carne, is a dish with a rich and diverse history. Its origins can be traced back to the Spanish colonization of the Americas, where indigenous ingredients like chili peppers, beans, and tomatoes were combined with Spanish cooking techniques and ingredients such as beef. This fusion of cultures created the foundation for what we now know as chilli.

Chilli in American Culture

Chilli became particularly popular in the United States in the 19th century, especially in Texas. It was a staple for cowboys and settlers due to its simplicity, heartiness, and ability to feed large groups. The dish has since become a beloved American comfort food, with numerous regional variations and recipes.

Fun Facts

  • Chilli Cook-Offs:
    • Chilli cook-offs are popular events across the United States, where cooks compete to make the best version of the dish. These competitions can be fierce and are a testament to the dish’s versatility and wide appeal.
  • National Chilli Day:
    • National Chilli Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in February. It’s a day dedicated to enjoying and honoring this beloved dish.
  • Texas State Dish:
    • In 1977, chilli was declared the official state dish of Texas, highlighting its cultural and historical significance in the state.

The Science Behind the Recipe

The complexity of chilli comes from its blend of ingredients and spices, which develop rich, layered flavors as they simmer together. The combination of acidic tomatoes, savory beef, and earthy beans creates a balanced taste, while the spices add warmth and depth. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish.