Mary Berry's Chilli Con Carne

Mary Berry's Chilli Con Carne is a classic, hearty dish that perfectly combines ground beef, kidney beans, peppers, and a variety of spices, creating a rich and satisfying meal. This dish, whose name translates to "chili with meat" in Spanish, is a wonderful example of comfort food with a delightful balance of meatiness and spiciness. Notably originating from Texas, Chilli Con Carne has become a popular dish worldwide, often seen as a symbol of American cuisine despite its Mexican roots.

Ingredients for the Chilli Con Carne

To prepare Mary Berry's Chilli Con Carne, you will need the following ingredients:

• Olive oil (2 tbsp)
• Onion, chopped (1 large)
• Garlic cloves, chopped (2)
• Red pepper, deseeded and chopped (1)
• Green pepper, deseeded and chopped (1)
• Ground cumin (1 tsp)
• Ground coriander (1 tsp)
• Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
• Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp)
• Beef mince (500g)
• Chopped tomatoes (400g can)
• Red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (400g can)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Beef stock cube (1)
• Tomato purée (2 tbsp)
• Additional spices like hot chili powder, paprika, and dried marjoram
• Optional: red wine (150ml), Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons), dark chocolate (25g, chopped)

Preparation Instructions for Mary Berry's Chilli Con Carne

1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cook the chopped onion until soft, followed by adding the garlic and peppers.
3. Introduce the spices and cook them briefly to release their flavors.
4. Brown the minced beef in the pan, breaking it up as it cooks.
5. Add the chopped tomatoes, red kidney beans, beef stock, tomato purée, and optional ingredients like red wine and Worcestershire sauce.
6. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20-40 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meat is tender.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

• Fridge: Cool the Chilli Con Carne and store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in suitable containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of water or broth if needed.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Mary Berry's Chilli Con Carne typically contains around 260 calories, with 15g of protein, 22g of carbohydrates, 7g of fiber, 13g of fat (including 5g of saturated fat), 900mg of sodium, and 5g of sugar.

FAQs about the Chilli Con Carne

• Adjusting Spiciness: Modify the amount of chili powder or add hot sauce to increase heat, or reduce spice levels for a milder taste.
• Making It Vegetarian: Substitute beef with alternatives like ground turkey, chicken, tofu, or additional beans.
• Thickening the Sauce: If the sauce is too runny, simmer uncovered to evaporate excess liquid or use a thickening agent like cornstarch.
• Using a Slow Cooker: The recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker by first browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic as instructed, then transferring these to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cooking on low.

Mary Berry's Chilli Con Carne is a versatile and customizable dish that's perfect for sharing. Serve it with rice, tortilla chips, guacamole, sour cream, or shredded cheese for a complete meal. This dish is not only a delight for the taste buds but also a nod to the rich cultural history of American cuisine.