Classic Chilli Con Carne Recipe

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Serving Size:

• Serves: 4-6 people

Prep and Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour

This recipe is a crowd-pleaser and can easily be doubled for larger groups or frozen for later. It pairs beautifully with rice, fresh bread, or tortilla chips for an ultimate comfort meal!

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 500g beef mince

• 2 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp ground paprika

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 1-2 tsp chili powder (adjust to your heat preference)

• 1 tsp oregano

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 bay leaf

• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 beef stock cube dissolved in 200ml water

• 1 can (400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)

• Sour cream, grated cheese, and sliced jalapeños (for serving)

Instructions:

• Cook the Vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and both red and green bell peppers. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

• Brown the Meat: Add the beef mince to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5 minutes.

• Add Spices: Stir in the cumin, paprika, coriander, chili powder, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook the spices for 1-2 minutes to release their flavors.

• Add Tomatoes and Stock: Stir in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, beef stock, bay leaf, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens.

• Add Kidney Beans: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the kidney beans and cook for another 10 minutes to heat them through. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

• Serve: Remove the bay leaf and cinnamon stick before serving. Garnish with fresh coriander and serve with a dollop of sour cream, grated cheese, and sliced jalapeños on the side.

Chef Brooke Silk's Notes:

This Chilli Con Carne is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a cozy family dinner or for meal prepping. The combination of spices gives it a rich depth of flavor, while the kidney beans add a satisfying texture. For a spicier version, increase the chili powder or add fresh chilies. You can also serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or even over a baked potato.

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