Chilli Con Carne

You call it Chili, we call it Chilli Con Carne. The dish known simply as Chili in the US and Canada, is known as Chilli Con Carne here in Australia and in the UK. Chilli Con Carne or Chili Con Carne meaning chili with meat, is a spicy stew containing chili peppers, meat, tomatoes, and often pinto beans or kidney beans. Other seasonings may include garlic, onions, and cumin. The dish originated in northern Mexico.

Ah, the fun part – how to serve it!! While it’s perfectly acceptable to place a large pot of Chili in the centre of the table and everyone lunges forth armed with corn chips, here are other more respectable ways to serve it:

• In a bowl with Toppings, with a side of corn chips or warm tortillas for dunking (common in the US);
• Over rice with Toppings (sensible dinner option, typical in the UK and Australia);
• With Corn Bread on the side – try these soft quick ‘n easy
• Over hot chips with cheese – Chili Fries!
• In baked potatoes;
• Over pasta;
• Topped with corn bread batter and baked,
• In soft rolls – Chili Sloppy Joes
• On hot dogs – Chili Dogs!!!

The alluring smell of a pot of Chilli bubbles away on the stove is a universal language!! Don't forget, It’s supposed to be spicy.

Jackie | Balaclava

CHILLI CON CARNE

1 can of Red Kidney Beans, rinsed and sorted

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 pounds ground beef

Yellow onion, chopped

5 chilli, seeded and diced

5 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups beef broth or water

2 (14.5 ounce) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained

3 tablespoons tomato sauce

3 tablespoons tomato paste

3 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons garlic powder

2 teaspoons onion powder

2 teaspoons smoked paprika

1 teaspoons ground black pepper

Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

Cheddar cheese, shredded, for garnish

Cornbread, to serve

1. Place oil in the pot and heat over medium-high heat. Add onion, chill and garlic; cook until tender. Add beef to pot.

2. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste

3. Add salt, beef seasoning, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika powder, and black pepper;

4. Add beans cover with lid, slightly tilted to vent, and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid has slightly reduced

6. Garnish with cilantro or spring onion and cheese and serve with rice or bread.