Chili con carne

by CulinaryNomad

Prep: 15 minsCooking: 15 minsServes 4

Instructions

Step 1
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon. Remove any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring constantly to coat the meat and vegetables with the spices.
4. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juice) and kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything together.
5. Pour in the beef broth or water, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to Low and cover the pot.
6. Simmer the chili for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the chili becomes too thick, you can add more broth or water as needed.
7. After an hour, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker chili, you can continue to simmer uncovered for an additional 15 minutes to allow the liquid to reduce.
8. Serve the chili con carne hot, garnished with your favourite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or chopped cilantro.
Enjoy your delicious homemade chili con carne!

Recipe Story

Chili con carne, a beloved and flavoursome dish, is a hearty stew that combines tender meat, aromatic spices, and a medley of vegetables. Its origins can be traced back to the rich culinary traditions of the American Southwest, particularly Texas. This iconic recipe has evolved over time, adapting to regional preferences and becoming a staple in countless households. Let's delve into the captivating history and tantalising flavours of chili con carne.

The roots of chili con carne can be found in the early Spanish settlers who brought their culinary influences to the American Southwest. They introduced a dish known simply as "chili," a stew made with meat, peppers, and spices. Over the years, this simple concoction began to incorporate new ingredients and techniques, evolving into what we now know as chili con carne.

Chili con carne gained popularity during the late 19th century when cowboys and trailblazers relied on easily preserved foods during long journeys. Dried meat, peppers, and spices were combined to create a hearty and nourishing meal. The dish was further popularised by the famous "Chili Queens" of San Antonio, Texas. These entrepreneurial women would set up stalls in the city's plazas, enticing locals and visitors alike with their aromatic and delectable chili con carne.

As chili con carne grew in popularity, regional variations emerged. In Texas, where chili con carne holds a special place in the state's culinary identity, it became customary to use chunks of beef as the primary meat and omit beans from the recipe. This "Texas-style" chili remains fiercely cherished and has even sparked debates among chili enthusiasts.

Today, chili con carne is celebrated worldwide and has countless variations. Some recipes include beans, while others focus solely on the meat and spices. Additional ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and various peppers contribute to the complex flavours. The spices, such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika, infuse the dish with a robust and smoky taste, adding depth to each spoonful.

Whether enjoyed as a comforting meal on a chilly evening or as a centerpiece at social gatherings, chili con carne continues to bring people together over its rich flavours and shared appreciation for this timeless classic.