Hearty Spice-Infused Chilli Con Carne
This Hearty Spice-Infused Chilli Con Carne is a comforting and flavorful take on a classic dish inspired by Jamie Oliver's signature style. When I first stumbled across this recipe in 'Happy Days With The Naked Chef', I knew it would become a staple in our home. Perfect for a cozy weekend meal when the family comes together, this chili is rich and hearty, with just the right amount of spice to awaken your taste buds. The sun-dried tomatoes add a unique depth of flavor, making this dish not only satisfying but also fun to customize to your own palate. Whether served over a fluffy bed of rice, alongside crusty bread, or topped with fresh guacamole, this chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Enjoy this dish with loved ones, and don’t forget to adjust the spice levels to make it just right for you!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
onions
2 (medium, chopped)
garlic
1 (clove, chopped)
olive oil
to taste
chili powder
2 (teaspoons)
red chili
1 (de-seeded and finely chopped)
ground cumin
1 (teaspoon)
sea salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
minced beef
500 (g)
sun-dried tomatoes
200 (g, packed in oil)
tinned tomatoes
2 (400 g cans)
cinnamon stick
1/2 (stick)
water
1 (cup)
red kidney beans
2 (400 g cans, drained)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until they are translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
2
Stir in the chili powder, finely chopped red chili, ground cumin, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the spices to toast briefly in the oil for about a minute.
3
Add the minced beef to the pot, stirring well to break it up. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
4
In your food processor, combine the sun-dried tomatoes with a splash of oil from the jar to create a smooth paste. Incorporate this paste into the beef mixture.
5
Pour in the tinned tomatoes, add the cinnamon stick, and sprinkle in some additional sea salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together.
6
Now pour in the cup of water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
7
About 30 minutes before serving, add the drained red kidney beans, stirring them in gently to warm through.
8
Serve hot over steamed rice, or with crusty bread. Garnish with a tossed salad, fresh guacamole, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Spice-Infused Chilli Con Carne?
It is a comforting and flavorful take on the classic chili dish, inspired by Jamie Oliver's signature style and featuring unique ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes.
Who inspired this specific chilli recipe?
The recipe was inspired by Jamie Oliver and a version found in his book 'Happy Days With The Naked Chef'.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of meat is used in this chilli?
The recipe calls for 500g of minced beef.
How long does the chilli need to simmer?
The chilli needs to simmer for a total of 1.5 hours once the liquid ingredients are added.
When should the red kidney beans be added?
The drained red kidney beans should be stirred in gently about 30 minutes before serving.
What are the suggested side dishes for this chilli?
It is recommended to serve the chilli over steamed rice or with crusty bread.
How do you prepare the sun-dried tomatoes for this recipe?
You should combine 200g of sun-dried tomatoes with a splash of oil from their jar in a food processor and blend them into a smooth paste.
Is this chilli suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as the flavors develop and taste even better the next day.
What spices are required for the seasoning mix?
The recipe uses chili powder, ground cumin, fresh red chili, sea salt, and black pepper.
How many onions are needed?
You will need 2 medium onions, chopped.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried chili?
The recipe uses both: 2 teaspoons of chili powder and 1 de-seeded, finely chopped fresh red chili.
What role does the cinnamon stick play?
A half of a cinnamon stick is added to the pot during the simmer to provide a unique, aromatic depth of flavor.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 1 chopped clove of garlic.
Should the kidney beans be drained before use?
Yes, the two 400g cans of red kidney beans should be drained before being added to the pot.
What kind of oil should be used for sautéing?
Olive oil is used to sauté the onions and garlic.
How much water is added to the mixture?
One cup of water is added to the pot before the long simmering process begins.
What is the total amount of tinned tomatoes used?
The recipe uses two 400g cans of tinned tomatoes.
How long should you brown the minced beef?
The minced beef should be cooked for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is browned.
What toppings are recommended for serving?
Fresh guacamole, a tossed salad, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt are suggested garnishes.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, the recipe encourages customizing the spice levels to suit your own personal palate.
How long do you cook the onions and garlic initially?
They should be cooked for about 5 minutes over medium heat until they are translucent and softened.
Why toast the spices briefly in oil?
Toasting the spices for about a minute helps to release their aromatic oils and enhance the flavor.
Is the pot covered or uncovered during simmering?
The pot should be covered while simmering for 1.5 hours.
What is the category of this dish?
This dish is categorized as a soup or stew, specifically a chilli con carne.
How do you incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes?
Once blended into a paste, they are stirred directly into the browned beef mixture.
What should the heat be set to for the long simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should reduce the heat to low for the simmering phase.
Is sea salt or table salt recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using sea salt to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 14 ingredients listed for this chilli recipe.
Can I serve this with anything other than rice?
Yes, crusty bread is mentioned as an excellent alternative to steamed rice.