Chili Con Carne

Chili Con Carne is a classic and hearty dish that is known for its robust flavors and moderate spiciness. This recipe stays true to the traditional chili flavors and ingredients, resulting in a satisfying and flavorful meal. With a combination of lean ground beef, onions, bell peppers, spices, and kidney beans, this Chili Con Carne is sure to please chili lovers.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pounds (900 g) extra lean ground beef
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped onion
• 1 cup (150 g) chopped red bell pepper
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon cayenne
• 1 tablespoon (7.5 g) chili powder
• 3 cups (700 ml) water
• 1 can (6 ounces, or 170 g) no-salt-added tomato paste
• 4 cups (720 g) no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 4 cups (1 kg) kidney beans, cooked or canned without salt

PREPARATION:

1. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the extra lean ground beef. Drain any excess fat.
2. In a slow cooker, combine the browned ground beef, chopped onions, chopped red bell peppers, minced garlic, black pepper, cumin, cayenne, chili powder, water, no-salt-added tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and kidney beans.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chili to develop its rich taste.

YIELD:

• 8 servings

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

• 377 g water; 455 calories (38% from fat, 34% from protein, 28% from carb)
• 39 g protein; 19 g total fat; 7 g saturated fat; 8 g monounsaturated fat; 1 g polyunsaturated fat
• 33 g carb; 11 g fiber; 7 g sugar; 359 mg phosphorus; 126 mg calcium; 8 mg iron; 134 mg sodium
• 1264 mg potassium; 1424 IU vitamin A; 0 mg ATE vitamin E; 43 mg vitamin C; 92 mg cholesterol

Chili Con Carne is a beloved and flavorful dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This recipe maintains the traditional flavors and ingredients of a classic chili, resulting in a moderately spicy and satisfying meal. With lean ground beef, onions, bell peppers, spices, and kidney beans, this Chili Con Carne is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

The combination of ingredients in this Chili Con Carne recipe creates a harmony of flavors. The lean ground beef provides a rich and meaty base, while the onions and bell peppers add sweetness and a touch of crunch. The spices, including cumin, cayenne, and chili powder, contribute to the distinct and aromatic flavor profile of the chili. The kidney beans not only add texture and substance but also contribute to the overall fiber and protein content of the dish.

Preparing Chili Con Carne is made convenient with the use of a slow cooker. After browning the ground beef, all the ingredients are combined in the slow cooker, allowing them to simmer and meld together for 8 to 10 hours on low heat. This slow cooking process ensures that the flavors are well-developed and the meat becomes tender.

This Chili Con Carne recipe offers a balance of macronutrients and essential minerals. With 39 grams of protein per serving, it provides a substantial amount of this important nutrient, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. The fiber content of 11 grams per serving helps promote digestion and supports overall gut health. Additionally, the chili is rich in potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and E, which play various roles in maintaining optimal health.

To serve Chili Con Carne, you can top it with a variety of garnishes to enhance the flavors and add texture. Common toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and fresh cilantro. These toppings provide additional creaminess, tanginess, and freshness to the chili. Serving the chili alongside warm cornbread or rice is also a popular choice, as it complements the flavors and creates a well-rounded meal.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing a weeknight dinner, or simply craving a comforting and flavorful dish, Chili Con Carne is a fantastic choice. Its combination of tender ground beef, aromatic spices, and kidney beans creates a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm your heart and please your taste buds. Enjoy a bowl of this classic chili and savor the delicious flavors of this beloved dish.