Chilli Con Carne

Beans are a staple in Latin America and so many other countries. They are delicious, incredibly healthy, inexpensive and you can cook it them many ways. We often enjoyed them in our home growing up.

This particular recipe is a fun favorite in my home. Its origin is disputed, but I personally go by the theory of it being Texan. I can just about believe that in all those wild wild west cowboy days when the rough-looking cowboys  were sitting by the fire all along they were munching on Chilli con Carne!

It’s a good old classic that goes down well, it’s perfect for entertaining and quick to throw together. It calls for spicy but you decide how much chilli to add. To make it justice, you really want to cook on slow heat for about an hour and a half even two! This will make it richer and the beef super tender.

Chilli Con Carne

2 medium onions, chopped

2 garlic clove, chopped

Olive oil

2 tsp. mild chili powder

1 tsp. paprika

1 red chili, de-seeded and finely chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

½ tsp. sugar

Sea salt

Fresh ground pepper

500gr minced beef

2 (400gr) cans tinned tomatoes

2 Tbs tomato paste

½ stick cinnamon

1 cup water

2 (400gr) cans red kidney beans, drained

fresh coriander leaves chopped ( to serve)

• In a large pot, fry onions and garlic in a little olive oil until soft.
• Add chilli powder, fresh chilli, cumin and a little salt. Then add the meat and continue to cook, stirring, until it has browned.
• Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, cinnamon stick, paprika, pepper, sugar and the water. Check the seasoning, and add more if preferred.
• Bring to the boil, cover, turn the heat down and simmer for about 1 and a half hours.
• Add the kidney beans about 1/2 an hour before serving, they are already cooked and only need to be warmed through.
• Sprinkle fresh coriander to serve.

My Tip: This is fabulous served with fluffy rice. If you don’t want rice, it’s equally good with a nice slice of fresh crusty bread, over a jacket potato or couscous. I love to place a small bowl of natural yogurt or sour cream, some guacamole and lime wedges on the table. Sprinkle fresh chilli for that yummy kick! Add nachos for a fun 🙂

Oh, and one more thought:  Sharing what we’re cooking is a way to connect with all the people we love and can’t see right now.  So share a dish you’ve cooked to make someone’s day!