Description
Hearty Classic Chili emerges as a comforting masterpiece of robust flavors and spicy warmth. Meat, beans, and aromatic spices blend perfectly, promising a satisfying meal that warms souls and delights palates.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) ground beef
- 2 cans (15 ounces / 425 grams each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 medium onions, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1–2 jalapenos, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup (150 grams) corn kernels
Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cans (14.5 ounces / 411 grams each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces / 425 grams) tomato sauce
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ounce (28 grams) dark chocolate (optional)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious Dutch oven over medium-high heat, gently sautéing onions until translucent and aromatic.
- Incorporate minced garlic and diced bell peppers, allowing them to soften and release their vibrant flavors for approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce ground beef to the pot, breaking it into crumbly pieces and browning thoroughly until no pink remains. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
- Blend tomato paste, diced tomatoes, rich tomato sauce, and robust beef broth into the meat mixture, creating a harmonious base.
- Fold in kidney beans and a symphony of spices – chili powder, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, dried oregano, hint of sugar, and seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Allow the chili to reach a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let the flavors meld and intensify for 45-50 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- For adventurous palates, enhance complexity by stirring in sliced jalapeños, sweet corn kernels, and a surprising hint of dark chocolate.
- Moments before serving, brighten the dish with a splash of fresh lime juice. Garnish with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, and sprinkled green onions.
Notes
- Use high-quality ground beef with at least 80% lean meat for richer flavor and better texture.
- Let the chili simmer longer than 30 minutes to develop deeper, more complex flavors and allow spices to meld together.
- Dark chocolate adds depth and subtle richness without making the chili sweet, enhancing the overall umami profile.
- Consider using dried beans instead of canned for more control over texture and sodium content, soaking them overnight before cooking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 325 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg