Recipe of the Week: Chili con Carne

A warming bowl of fiery and hearty goodness.

Chili con Carne, often just called chili, is a spicy stew that is a staple of Tex-Mex cuisine. Originally hailing from the cowboys of Texas cattle drives, this dish became famous through cook-offs and chili parlors across the Southern United States. With its rich and spicy flavors, it embodies the comforting warmth of a home-cooked meal that can easily feed a crowd.

🛒 Ingredients

For the chili

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the tomatoes and beans

• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed

For additional seasoning

• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
• 1 cup beef broth

For garnish

• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the aromatics

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the beef

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Season the meat

Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the beef. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spices are well integrated and aromatic.

Step 4: Combine main ingredients

Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

Step 5: Season and simmer

Stir in the dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 6: Finish and adjust seasoning

Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. If you prefer a thicker consistency, continue to simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare garnish

While the chili simmers, chop some fresh cilantro and grate the cheddar cheese for garnish. Set these aside along with the sour cream.

Step 8: Serve the chili

Once the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls. Top with chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, and a dollop of sour cream to serve.