Smoky Chipotle Chili con Carne 🌶️✨

New Recipe

Smoky Chipotle Chili con Carne 🌶️✨

Ingredients:

• For the chili:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tbsp chipotle paste or 1 finely chopped chipotle in adobo sauce
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 can (14 oz/400g) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (14 oz/400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef or chicken stock
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For garnish and serving:

  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Lime wedges
  • Cornbread or tortilla chips

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Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics:

   • Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

2. Cook the peppers:

   • Add the diced red and green bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Brown the beef:

   • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and no longer pink.

4. Add the spices and paste:

   • Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cinnamon, chipotle paste, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to release the flavors.

5. Simmer the chili:

   • Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef stock. Stir well, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld together.

6. Season to taste:

   • Add salt and pepper as needed. If you like more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

7. Serve:

   • Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or steamed rice.

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Optional Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans (e.g., black beans and pinto beans).
• Sweet & Smoky: Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of dark chocolate for a rich flavor.
• Chunky Style: Use diced beef chuck instead of ground beef for a hearty texture.