Classic Chili Con Carne (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main ingredients
01 -
500g ground beef (or use a mix of beef and pork for deeper flavor)
02 -
1 medium onion, finely diced
03 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
04 -
3 tablespoons tomato paste
05 -
1 fresh green chili, deseeded and finely chopped (optional for extra heat)
06 -
1 can kidney beans (about 400g), drained and rinsed
07 -
1 small can sweet corn (about 200g), drained
08 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
09 -
2 cans diced tomatoes (about 800g total)
→ Spices and seasonings
10 -
¼-1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your heat preference)
11 -
1½ teaspoons paprika powder
12 -
1½ teaspoons dried oregano
13 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
14 -
20g dark chocolate (70% cocoa), broken into pieces
→ For serving
15 -
Dollops of crème fraîche or sour cream
16 -
Fresh crusty baguette for dipping
17 -
Handful of fresh parsley, roughly chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Dice the onion into small pieces, mince the garlic cloves, and cut the red bell pepper into small, even chunks. If using the fresh chili, remove the seeds and finely chop it.
02 -
Heat a splash of oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion, chopped chili (if using), and garlic. Continue cooking until the onions are soft and translucent.
03 -
Stir in the tomato paste, diced bell pepper, chili powder, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. This step really develops the flavors! Pour in the canned tomatoes and add about ½ cup water. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
04 -
Add the drained beans, corn, dark chocolate pieces, and half the chopped parsley. Stir well and let everything simmer together for another 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The chocolate adds a wonderful depth without making it taste sweet!
# Notes:
01 -
This chili tastes even better the next day when the flavors have had time to meld together. Try making it a day ahead for an incredibly rich and complex flavor profile.