Craving Something Spicy? Try This Chilli Con Carne Recipe At Home

Americans call it chili, and the rest of the world knows this recipe by the name chilli con carne. It is a spicy stew recipe that includes chili powder, meat, chopped tomatoes, and beans. The chili powder in this recipe is not the one that we Indians use; it is a nonspicy seasoning mix that provides flavors to this recipe.

This recipe is known to originate from Texas, but it does have some influences from Spanish and Mexican cuisine. So, over time, this recipe became a symbol of Tex-Mex cuisine. In this recipe section, we will understand the recipe instructions step by step, its health benefits, and many more. So, let’s get started!

How To Make Chili Con Carne?

Follow this step-by-step instruction for preparing the dish, which serves 4-6 people.

• Firstly, in a large pot, put olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Then, add the chopped onion and cook it for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent.
• Then, add the minced garlic and chopped red bell peppers to the pot. Let it cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper starts to soften.
• Secondly, add the meat and cook it until it is brown. Later, add the chili spice mix, which includes cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Let the spices cook for another 1-2 minutes, until they start releasing flavors.
• Next in line is the tomato paste and tomatoes. Add them and stir them well.
• Thirdly, add the boiled kidney beans and broth and stir them well. Once you bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for another 30 minutes to combine all the flavors.
• After simmering the recipe, taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or more chili powder if it is required.
• Lastly, serve the dish hot. You can garnish the chili dish with sour cream, yogurt, grated cheese, or cilantro.

Serving Suggestions

You can traditionally serve this recipe with some rice. If you like, you can also serve it with quesadilla, tortilla chips, tacos, and nachos.

For a comforting meal, you have the cheese chilli recipe with baked potatoes, salads, or over polenta. Moreover, if you are fond of bread, you can have it with cornbread, garlic bread, or with an assorted bread basket.

Nutritional Profile Of Chilli Con Carne

The carbs from kidney beans and protein from the meat complement each other in this recipe. Additionally, healthy fat comes from the oil, and a healthy accompaniment adds a good amount of dietary fiber to the dish.

So, here is an approximate estimation of the nutritional profile for the 100 gm of chilli con carne recipe.

Nutrient	Value
Energy	180 kcal
Protein	10 gm
Carbohydrate	8 gm
Fat	6 gm
Fiber	3 gm
Cholesterol	26 mg

Please keep in mind that these nutrient values are approximate and change with the change in ingredients and cooking process.

Health Benefits Of Chilli Con Carne

Here are some benefits of this spicy dish that make it delicious and healthy too:

1. High In Protein

The primary ingredient of this recipe is meat and kidney beans, which are excellent sources of high-quality protein. These proteins help in muscle growth, repair, and muscle maintenance in the body. Additionally, these ingredients also provide a good amount of energy.

2. Rich In Fiber

This chilli dish provides a good amount of dietary fiber. A 100 gm chili con carne recipe provides approximately 3 gm of dietary fiber. The kidney beans provide fiber that helps to promote healthy digestion. Additionally, fiber helps lower cholesterol levels and improve the health of your heart.

3. Improves Heart And Blood Health

The high content of monounsaturated fats in olive oil helps to reduce the bad cholesterol levels in the blood and helps lower the risk of heart disease. Moreover, the overall dietary fiber in the recipe also helps to reduce the risk of heart issues.

Studies say that the carbs in kidney beans have a lower glycemic index, which causes a slow and gradual rise in the blood sugar level, which makes it good for diabetics.

4. Supports Bone Health

Meat is a good source of phosphorus and zinc. Additionally, it also includes vitamin B12, which is important for the better functioning of the nervous system because it is important for the production of myelin sheaths of the neurons.

Additionally, vitamin B12 is also required for the production of red blood cells. Kidney beans improve bone health due to the presence of magnesium in them, which improves the calcium absorption process.

5. Can Help In Weight Management

The presence of high protein and fiber content in the recipe makes the best combination for weight loss. This recipe, which can be part of your main meal, can make you feel full and reduce unhealthy cravings.

You can modify this recipe according to your dietary preference and use lean meat, which helps you lose weight with tasty recipes.

Cooking And Storage Tips

With simple tips for cooking, it becomes easier to cook and enjoy this delicious recipe. Moreover, with safe storing tips, you can make the recipe in bigger batches and store it for a few days.

• Cook the meat until it turns brown before adding any other ingredients. This will enhance the flavor by caramelizing the meat.
• It is important to simmer the chilli on low flame for 30 minutes to blend all the flavors of other ingredients and intensify the taste.
• If you want to increase the richness of the dish, then add a small square of dark chocolate. This will increase the flavors and give a complex taste without making it sweet.
• For a vegan and vegetarian option, you can replace the meat with lentils or a mixture of beans and use vegetable broth.
• To store the chili con carne recipe, cool it down to room temperature; this will prevent the chilli from going watery. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Refrigerate the leftover chilli with a splash of water or broth over medium heat before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Type Of Meat Is Authentically Used In The Chilli Con Carne Recipe?

Grounded beef is generally part of the chili con carne recipe. However, depending on your area, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or mutton.

How Can I Reduce The Acidity In Chilli Con Carne Recipe?

If your chilli recipe is too acidic, you can balance it by adding a small amount of sugar, honey, or a square of dark chocolate.

How Can I Adjust The Spiciness In The Chilli Recipe?

You can control the spiciness of the recipe by adjusting the amount of chilli powder, cayenne powder, or other chilies you use. To increase the heat in the recipe, you can add more varieties of chili pepper.

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Disclaimer

This blog post will help you make healthier and better health choices. So be aware and take care. The most important thing to consider is your health before starting any specific diet or routine. Always seek advice from a doctor or dietitian if you have any concerns before starting.

Eat Healthy, Live Healthy. Enjoy a long, happy life.