How to make Chilli Con Carne

(I haven't made this dish in a while - so I don't have any pics but when I make again - Hopefully soon I'll post a pic.)

This is definitely one of my favorite recipes and my hubby absolutely just loves it.  I must admit I haven’t made it for quite some time, hmm I think I must make it sometime soon, it will be a real treat for the family.  

This recipe is actually from Jamie Oliver’s recipe book called Happy Days with the Naked Chef.   I have gotten so used to this recipe that I've tweaked it a little bit.

I normally serve it in a pancake if my budget is on a shoe string.  But you can serve it on a tortilla wrap, on top of nacho’s or even rice or loads of crusty bread.  

Having guacamole and sour cream on the side is a must but if you are looking at a healthier option dump the sour cream for Natural yoghurt instead.

INGREDIENTS:

2 medium red onions

3 cloves of garlic

1 fresh chilli and finely chopped – if you are liking a milder version then you can deseed the chilli before chopping it up

10ml of chilli powder

1 small green pepper seeded and finely chopped

15ml ground cumin

15ml ground coriander

15ml sweet paprika to give it that fantastic red

500g of excellent quality of pure lean beef mince

200g of sun-dried tomatoes in oil.  If you can’t find any in oil then you can use a tin of tomato puree.

2 X 400g tins of tomatoes – I cheat when it comes to this bit I buy 2 tins of All Gold Mexican tins of tomatoes mix.  It gives your dish an extra kick with heat and Mexican flavour.

½ Cinnamon stick

2 X 400g tins of red kidneys beans drained and rinsed

Sea salt and freshly ground pepper
Fresh Coriander leaves 

METHOD BEHIND MY MADNESS: 

Finely chop your onions, garlic, chilli, green peppers and sauté them in a little butter until nice and soft.  

Add the chilli powder, cumin, coriander and sweet paprika.  

Add the mince and continue to cook until nice and brown.  If you are using sundried tomatoes in oil then blitz them until a paste and add.  

Or just add the tomato puree.  Add the tins of tomatoes, cinnamon stick and a good wineglass of water.  

Taste!! - It is always important to taste your food. Does it need more salt or Pepper? Add if need be.  

Bring to boil and then turn the heat down and allow simmering for a 1hour.  

Add the Kidney beans 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.  They are cooked they just need to be warmed up.

This is one of these types of recipe dishes that taste so much better the next day, as the flavours has had chance to fully develop.  

As your about to dish up - add in coriander leaves it will give that really nice freshness to it.

This is perfect if you are having friends over and you want to enjoy the company instead of slaving away in the kitchen, all you need to do is heat and eat and definitely indulge!!!

Serve with guacamole, tomato salsa and sour cream and some extra cheddar cheese if you want.