10 twists on chilli con carne (2024)

FAQs

How to make your chili con carne better? ›

A recipe dating back to the 1850s describes dried beef, suet, dried chili peppers and salt, which were pounded together, formed into bricks and left to dry, which could then be boiled in pots in an army encampment in Monterrey, of what is now Nuevo León, Mexico.

'chili with meat or meat with chili'), also spelled chilli con carne or chile con carne and shortened to chili or chilli, is a spicy stew of Mexican origin containing chili peppers (sometimes in the form of chili powder), meat (usually beef), tomatoes, and often pinto beans or kidney beans.

Serving suggestions for chilli con carne

Serve it on a bed of plain, boiled rice, with a spoonful of soured cream on top. Pile it on tortilla chips and sprinkle it with grated cheddar. Wrap it up in a tortilla with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes and guacamole for a great burrito.

Texas Chili - Chuck

Most chili lovers will tell you that this is the ideal cut of meat for stew and chili. Chuck is initially a very tough cut of beef, but when you consider the fact chuck is highly marbled, it turns out this is perfect for the low-and-slow way to cook the perfect Texas chili.

What's the Difference Between Chili and Chili Con Carne? Simply put, chili can be made from chicken, turkey, sweet potato, vegetarian, ground round, corn, beans – there truly are just about endless possibilities. Chili con carne, however is made with meat; 'con carne' translates directly from Spanish to 'with meat'.

Whilst it certainly maintains a Mexican influence, chilli con carne most likely originated in America, specifically San Antonio in southern Texas.

Is chilli con carne healthy? This classic Tex-Mex dish is not a bad choice when it comes to your health, although fat and salt content can vary. The kidney beans provide fibre and protein, and the mince adds more protein.

Which is correct, chili or chilli? ›

In American English, chili is the most common spelling for the spicy peppers as well as the stew and hotdog topping. In British English the preferred spelling is chilli. In Spanish speaking countries and regions of the US, chile is the most common variant.

And to serve

In Mexico, they make a green rice, using a long-grain variety flavoured with salsa verde. Paul also suggests trying an ancient grain such as quinoa or faro, as well as corn tortillas and condiments such as guacamole, salsas and sour cream. “Chilli con carne is very communal,” he says.

Turns out, the fiery chemical in hot chilis, capsaicin, likes to bind itself onto a compound in milk, which neutralizes the burn. Add a generous dollop of sour cream, creme fraiche, or yogurt to scorching hot chili or stews, or even a touch of milk or cream. For best results, though, go with full-fat dairy.

You can use sauce, diced, whole, even rotel for some kick. Add garlic, cumin, and probably more salt. Chipotle chili powder is really nice in chili. Just add a little at a time until it tastes the way you want it too.

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

“If there's one thing you have to do with any canned chili, it would be adding fresh chopped onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and jalapeños. Maybe even some pickled jalapeños. And be sure to dice it all up finely.” As for presentation? “Serve the chili out of a nice pot next to all the fresh toppings on display.