Chili con Carne
Chili con carne, which literally means chili with meat, is a hearty and savory Mexican dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. It incorporates a variety of ingredients, from beans and chilies to beef and tomatoes, in order to create a flavorful and filling dish. With its origins in the southwest part of the United States, chili con carne has become a staple across the world due to its easy preparation and delicious taste.
Cooking chili con carne is an excellent way to impress family and friends, as the dish is both easy to make and full of flavor. In addition, the ingredients needed to make this dish are generally affordable, so you can rest assured that you won’t break the bank while enjoying this delicious recipe. Plus, the best part about chili con carne is that you can dress up your dish with whatever toppings you like. Here is how to make a flavorful and well-rounded chili con carne.
Ingredients You Need
In order to make an authentic chili con carne recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
-1 lb ground beef
-1 onion, chopped
-2 garlic cloves, minced
-1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced
-1 teaspoon of chili powder
-1 teaspoon of cumin
-1 teaspoon of oregano
-2 tablespoons of tomato paste
-1 28 ounce can of crushed tomatoes
-1 15 ounce can of kidney beans
-Salt and pepper to taste
The Preparation
Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to begin prepping your chili con carne. Start by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Once the pot is hot, add the ground beef and cook until it is no longer pink. Then add the onion, garlic, jalapeno pepper, chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir the mixture until the vegetables are soft and the spices are fragrant.
Next, add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes and kidney beans. Stir the mixture and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes. During this time, season the chili con carne with salt and pepper to taste. Once it is cooked through, turn off the heat and serve the chili con carne with any desired toppings.
Serving Suggestions
The perfect chili con carne should have both a savory beef base and a bit of spice. To achieve this, be sure to season your chili con carne with a generous amount of chili powder and freshly grated pepper. You can also top your chili con carne with cheese, sour cream, and cilantro for added flavor.
If you’re looking to kick it up a notch, you can add some diced jalapenos, hot sauce, or pico de gallo to your chili con carne. For a bit of sweetness, consider adding some honey or agave. Moreover, you can serve your chili con carne over rice or with a side of tortilla chips for a more filling option.
Tips and Tricks
When it comes to prepping chili con carne, there are a few things you will want to keep in mind. First, be sure to cook the beef until it is brown and crumbly. This will help the dish achieve the desired flavor and texture.
Second, the tomatoes and kidney beans should be added at the end of the cooking time. This will help the chili con carne thicken up, as the tomatoes and beans will absorb much of the liquid.
Third, be sure to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Depending on the desired spicy level, you can add more or less chili powder, pepper, or jalapenos.
Finally, you can freeze your chili con carne and reheat it later. This is a great way to save time when prepping meals in the future.
Chili con carne is a delicious and savory Mexican dish that can be enjoyed as a snack or a main course. In order to make an authentic chili con carne, you will need beef, onions, garlic, jalapeno, chili powder, cumin, oregano, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and kidney beans. With these ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a flavorful and well-rounded chili con carne that will satisfy and impress your family and friends. So, the next time you are in the mood for a tasty meal, try making this chili con carne recipe.
