Delia Smith’s Chilli Con Carne recipe stands out as a beloved classic in the realm of comfort food. Renowned for her ability to transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals, Delia Smith has crafted a version of this traditional dish that is both straightforward and deeply satisfying. In my kitchen, I’ve embraced the essence of her recipe, adding personal touches to enhance its heartiness and flavor. This dish is a perfect blend of tender braised beef, creamy beans, and a symphony of spices, offering a comforting meal ideal for family gatherings or quiet evenings at home.

Why You’ll Be Glad You Tried This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its rich flavor, simplicity, and versatility. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s easy to make, whether you’re a novice or a pro in the kitchen. You can customize it to your taste, from adjusting the spice level to making it vegetarian. In a nutshell, trying this recipe means savoring a delicious, accessible meal that can become a family favorite.

How To Make Delia Smith’s Signature Chilli Con Carne Recipe Overview

This Chilli Con Carne recipe is a harmonious blend of tender braised steak, creamy black beans, and vibrant spices, creating a dish that’s both robust and delicately flavored. The inclusion of fresh coriander and a hint of lime juice adds a fresh twist, making it a delightful experience for the taste buds. This recipe serves around 6 people and has a cooking time of approximately 2 hours, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully and the meat becomes tender and succulent.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds (about 675 grams) of tender braising steak: This forms the hearty base of our chili, adding a rich, meaty flavor.
• 12 ounces (around 340 grams) of convenient canned black beans: These beans bring a creamy texture and earthy taste to the dish.
• 1.5 ounces (approximately 40 grams) of fresh coriander (save the leaves for the salsa): The fresh coriander adds a burst of herbal freshness, balancing the flavors.
• 3 tablespoons of handy olive oil: The olive oil lends a gentle richness and helps sauté our ingredients to perfection.
• 3 medium-sized onions, chopped: These onions provide a sweet, savory base note for our chili.
• 2 cloves of garlic, crushed: Garlic adds its aromatic magic, infusing the dish with depth.
• 3 green chilies, deseeded and chopped: The green chilies bring a pleasant, mild heat, enhancing the flavor profile.
• 1 heaped tablespoon of plain flour: The flour acts as a thickening agent, giving the chili its comforting consistency.
• 3 cans of chopped tomatoes (each can about 14 ounces or 400 grams): Canned tomatoes provide the rich tomatoey goodness that’s essential for chili.
• 1 large red pepper, chopped: Red pepper contributes a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
• Juice of 1 lime: Lime juice adds a zesty, citrusy kick, brightening up the overall taste.
• A pinch of salt, to taste: A touch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the dish.

Instructions

1. Soak the black beans overnight in cold water.

2. Drain and rinse the beans. Now simmer in fresh water until tender (about 60-90 minutes).
3. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onions, garlic, and chilies until soft.
4. Add the steak pieces and cook until browned.
5. Stir in flour. Then add tomatoes, and cooked beans. Also, add red pepper and half of the coriander.
6. Season with salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 hours.
7. Just before serving, stir in the lime juice and remaining coriander.
8. Serve hot with your choice of accompaniments.

What To Serve With Chilli Con Carne:

For a delightful presentation and to enhance the dining experience, consider these serving suggestions for your Chilli Con Carne:

Rice: Serve the chili over a bed of steamed white or brown rice. The rice absorbs the flavorful sauce and provides a satisfying base.

Tortilla Chips: Arrange a bowl of crispy tortilla chips on the side for scooping up the chili. It adds a crunchy contrast to the dish.

Crusty Bread: Warm slices of crusty bread or baguette are perfect for soaking up the savory chili sauce.

Fresh Greens: Pair the chili with a simple green salad dressed with lime vinaigrette to add a refreshing element to your meal.

Lime Wedges: Place lime wedges on the side for a final squeeze of citrusy brightness over the chili.

Sliced Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion can provide a zesty and crunchy garnish.

Salsa: Serve a fresh tomato salsa with reserved coriander leaves for a burst of freshness.

These serving suggestions not only elevate the flavors but also add variety and visual appeal to your Chilli Con Carne presentation, making it a delightful feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Also Try: Exploring the Flavors: Delia Smith Sausage Roll Recipe

Recipe Tips:

Here are some helpful recipe tips to ensure your Delia Smith-inspired Chilli Con Carne turns out perfectly:

Browning the Meat: When browning the braising steak, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Brown the meat in batches if needed to ensure even searing and flavor development.

Soaking Dried Beans: For the best texture when using dried black beans, be sure to soak them overnight. This step is crucial to ensure they cook up tender and creamy in your chili. You can also use canned beans for a quicker option.

Spice Level: Adjust the number of green chilies to suit your spice preference. For milder chili, reduce the amount or deseed the chilies.

Thickening: To achieve a thicker consistency in your chili, consider adding a bit more flour. However, exercise caution to avoid over-thickening the chili, as a little goes a long way in achieving the desired texture. Start with a little and adjust as needed.

Simmer: The key to a flavorful chili is a slow simmer. Allow the chili to simmer gently on low heat for the recommended duration. The slow cooking lets the flavors blend and the meat get soft, making a dish that is both tasty and satisfying.

Vegetarian Variation: To make a vegetarian version, substitute the steak with plant-based alternatives or additional beans and vegetables. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chili before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. A little extra lime juice or a pinch of salt can make a big difference.

Enjoy the Process: Cooking is an art, so enjoy the process and don’t rush. The slow simmering allows the flavors to develop, resulting in a more delicious chili.

FAQs

Can I adjust the level of spiciness in this chili?

Absolutely! You have control over the spiciness. To make it milder, use fewer green chilies or remove their seeds. If you prefer it spicier, add more chilies. Adjusting the spice level is easy, allowing you to tailor the chili to your personal taste and heat preference.

Can I use ground beef instead of braising steak?

Certainly, you can use ground beef as a convenient substitute for braising steak in this recipe. Ground beef cooks faster and still imparts a hearty meaty flavor to the chili. Simply brown it in the pan during the sautéing step, and you’ll have a delicious Chilli Con Carne with the same comforting essence but with the convenience of ground beef.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version of this chili, simply replace the braised steak with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans. You can also add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms for more texture and flavor. The key spices and herbs remain the same, ensuring that the dish retains its classic taste. This vegetarian twist is both hearty and satisfying, making it a great option for meatless meals.

How can I store leftovers?

Storing leftovers of the chili con carne is easy. First, let the chili cool down to room temperature. Then, transfer it into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll stay good for about 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can make this in a slow cooker. To use a slow cooker, follow these steps: Sauté onions, garlic, and chili. Brown the meat. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker. Then, let it cook slowly for tender and flavorful chili. But instead of simmering on the stovetop, simply transfer everything to your slow cooker. Let it cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours. This way, the flavors get to mingle and the meat becomes wonderfully tender. The best part is, that you can set it and forget it while you carry on with your day.

Conclusion

This Delia Smith-inspired Chilli Con Carne is more than just a dish; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Rich in flavors and textures, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both nourishing and comforting. Remember, the key to great chili is patience – letting it simmer allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Enjoy this delightful meal with loved ones. Savor the blend of spices, and the overall heartiness of the dish.

Delia Smith chilli con carne recipe

• 1.5 pounds about 675 grams of tender braising steak
• 12 ounces around 340 grams of convenient canned black beans
• 1.5 ounces approximately 40 grams of fresh coriander (save the leaves for the salsa)
• 3 tablespoons of handy olive oil
• 3 medium-sized onions (chopped)
• 2 cloves of garlic (crushed)
• 3 green chilies (deseeded and chopped)
• 1 heaped tablespoon of plain flour
• 3 cans of chopped tomatoes (each can about 14 ounces or 400 grams)
• 1 large red pepper (chopped)
• Juice of 1 lime
• A pinch of salt (to taste)

1. Soak the black beans overnight in cold water.
2. Drain and rinse the beans. Now simmer in fresh water until tender (about 60-90 minutes).
3. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onions, garlic, and chilies until soft.
4. Add the steak pieces and cook until browned.
5. Stir in flour. Then add tomatoes, and cooked beans. Also, add red pepper and half of the coriander.
6. Season with salt and bring to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer gently for 1.5 hours.
7. Just before serving, stir in the lime juice and remaining coriander.
8. Serve hot with your choice of accompaniments.

Main Course

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