Chili con carne

Chilli con carne: a lovingly adapted recipe

Total time: 50 minutes
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Chilli con carne is a traditional dish that has traveled through time and has been enriched by every culture that adopted it. This recipe has been adapted to our tastes, removing corn while keeping its spicy and comforting essence. It is an ideal dish for cool evenings, full of flavor and aroma, that will turn any meal into a memorable experience.

Ingredients:
- 600 g mixed minced meat (pork and beef)
- 1 yellow onion
- 1 head of garlic
- 50 ml sunflower oil
- 25 ml chili-flavored oil (or to taste)
- 2 cans of red beans (about 400 g)
- 1 hot pepper (preferably from your own harvest)
- Iodized salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin powder
- 4 medium ripe tomatoes
- 1 bell pepper

Preparation technique:
1. Start by peeling and finely chopping the onion and garlic. These ingredients are fundamental to providing depth and flavor to the dish.
2. In a wok or deep pan, add the sunflower oil and chili-flavored oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. This step is essential to extract the flavor from the chili oil, adding intensity to the dish.
3. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they become translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Once the onion has softened, add the minced meat. Start frying it, breaking it apart with a spatula to avoid clumping. Cook for 10 minutes or until the meat is browned and cooked evenly.
5. Add the bell pepper, cleaned and diced, and the chopped hot pepper (if you like it spicier, add more) and continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
6. Add the drained and rinsed red beans, chopped tomatoes, and season with salt, curry, and cumin. These spices are what transform simple meat into an explosion of flavors, so don’t skip them!
7. Add enough water to cover the ingredients, then let it simmer over medium heat, partially covered, for about 20 minutes. This step allows the flavors to blend and concentrate, giving them a rich and complex taste.

Serving:
Chilli con carne is served hot, alongside crispy bread or Mexican tortillas, which are perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce. You can add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top for a creamy contrast that balances the spiciness of the dish.

Practical tips:
- If you want a heartier Chilli con carne, you can also add a diced potato or carrots, which will cook along with the other ingredients.
- You can experiment with different types of meat, such as chicken or turkey, for a lighter version.
- Don’t forget to adjust the spice level to your preferences. If you like it less spicy, you can reduce the amount of hot pepper.

Nutritional benefits:
This dish is rich in protein due to the meat and beans, while the tomatoes provide important antioxidants like lycopene. Additionally, the hot pepper can boost metabolism, bringing extra health benefits.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
- Yes, but make sure to boil them first to make them easier to digest.
2. How can I make vegetarian Chilli con carne?
- Replace the meat with lentils or chopped mushrooms for a similar texture.
3. Can Chilli con carne be frozen?
- Absolutely! This is an excellent dish for freezing. Make sure to let it cool completely before putting it in airtight containers.

Possible variations:
- Add cocoa beans or dark chocolate to give a more complex flavor, characteristic of many Chilli recipes.
- Try adding fresh herbs like cilantro to provide a fresh taste.

Chilli con carne is a perfect choice for family meals or lunches with friends. This adapted recipe will bring a touch of warmth to your kitchen and will surely be a success! You can share your experience with loved ones and create pleasant memories around the table. Enjoy your meal!