Caribbean Coffee-Infused Beef Chili
This Caribbean Coffee-Infused Beef Chili is a delightful and unique twist on traditional chili. Inspired by the rich culinary heritage of the Spanish settlers in the West Indies, and taking cues from the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola, this dish combines tender ground beef with a medley of aromatic spices, sweet raisins, and the robust flavor of strong coffee. The result is a warming, complex chili that balances savory and sweet, making it a standout at any dinner table. Serve it over steaming white rice to soak up all the delicious juices and garnished with toasted almonds for an added crunch.
8
Servings
289
Calories
20
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground beef
1 1/2 lbs (browned)
medium onions
2 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
bay leaves
2 (whole)
chili powder
2 teaspoons (ground)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (ground)
nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
chopped fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon (fresh)
capers
1 teaspoon (chopped)
pimento stuffed olives
2 tablespoons (chopped)
diced green chilies
2 (4 1/2 ounce) cans (canned)
strong coffee
2 cups (brewed)
dark molasses
1 tablespoon (liquid)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (canned)
raisins
1/3 cup (whole)
toasted slivered almonds
1/2 cup (toasted)
hot cooked rice
5 cups (cooked)
Instructions
1
In a large Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes until it is fully cooked. Drain excess fat, if necessary, and set the beef aside.
2
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the chopped onions to the pot. Sauté until they become translucent, about 3 minutes.
3
Add the minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4
Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in the bay leaves, chili powder, ground cumin, nutmeg, black pepper, allspice, salt, thyme, capers, olives, diced green chilies, strong coffee, dark molasses, and diced tomatoes.
5
Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to let the flavors meld.
6
After 20 minutes, add the raisins and continue to simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the raisins to plump and the chili to thicken.
7
Once finished cooking, discard the bay leaves, then serve the chili hot over bowls of cooked rice, garnished with toasted slivered almonds for extra texture.
Nutrition Information
9.4g
Fat
33g
Carbs
18.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Caribbean Coffee-Infused Beef Chili?
It is a unique chili inspired by Spanish settlers in the West Indies, combining ground beef with spices, raisins, and strong coffee.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 289 calories.
What type of beef is required for this chili?
The recipe calls for 1.5 lbs of lean ground beef.
How long should I brown the ground beef?
Brown the ground beef over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes until fully cooked.
Should I drain the fat from the beef?
Yes, you should drain excess fat after browning the beef if necessary.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
Sauté two chopped medium onions over medium-low heat for about 3 minutes until translucent.
When should garlic be added to the pot?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are translucent and sauté for one additional minute.
What kind of coffee is used in this chili?
The recipe requires 2 cups of strong, brewed coffee.
What role does molasses play in the recipe?
One tablespoon of dark molasses is used to add depth and a hint of sweetness to the chili.
What spices give this chili its Caribbean flavor?
The spice blend includes chili powder, ground cumin, nutmeg, black pepper, allspice, and fresh thyme.
Are there any unique Mediterranean-style ingredients?
Yes, the recipe includes chopped capers and pimento stuffed olives.
How many cans of green chilies are needed?
You will need two 4.5-ounce cans of diced green chilies.
What size can of tomatoes is used?
The recipe calls for one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes.
How long is the initial simmering period?
The mixture should simmer uncovered for 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
When are the raisins added?
The raisins are added after the initial 20-minute simmer.
How long do the raisins need to cook?
Simmer for an additional 10 minutes after adding raisins to allow them to plump.
What should be done with the bay leaves?
The two bay leaves should be discarded once the cooking is finished and before serving.
How is this chili traditionally served?
It is served hot over bowls of cooked rice.
What is the recommended garnish?
Garnish the dish with 1/2 cup of toasted slivered almonds for extra texture.
How much rice is needed for serving?
The recipe suggests serving the chili with 5 cups of hot cooked rice.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving contains 18.5g of protein.
How much fat is in a single serving?
There are 9.4g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each serving provides 33g of carbohydrates.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of chopped fresh thyme leaves for the best flavor.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 minced garlic cloves.
Is the chili cooked covered or uncovered?
It is cooked uncovered to allow the sauce to thicken.
What gives the chili its sweet and savory balance?
The balance comes from the combination of savory beef and spices with sweet raisins and molasses.
What specific islands inspired this dish?
The recipe takes cues from the culinary traditions of Cuba and Hispaniola.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 20 ingredients total, including the rice and garnishes.