Chili with beef

Recipe: Chili with Beef

Chili with Beef is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for cold days. It combines tender beef, aromatic spices, and various beans, creating a rich and satisfying taste. This recipe will lift your spirits and warm you up any time of the year.

Ingredients

• 500g beef, cubed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 yellow pepper, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 tsp ground
  cumin

  Cumin is a spice with a pungent flavor and aroma. It is commonly used in cooking, especially in Asian, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisines. Ideal for flavoring meat dishes, making curry, soups, and spicy sauces.

• 1 tsp
  chili

  Chili is a hot pepper commonly used in cooking to add spiciness and flavor to dishes. It can be used fresh, dried, or in powder form. Chili is used in a variety of dishes, including Mexican, Indian, and Thai cuisines.

  powder (optional)
• 400g canned tomatoes
• 400g canned red beans
• 400g canned black beans
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Sliced herbs and tender cheese cubes for serving (optional)

Cooking Steps

1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and peppers, and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add beef and cook until browned on all sides.
4. Sprinkle with cumin and chili powder (if using), and stir.
5. Add canned tomatoes, beans, and sugar. Stir and cook over low heat for about 30-40 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot chili with sliced herbs and tender cheese cubes.

Tips

• Choose lean beef for a more tender dish.
• If you prefer spicier chili, increase the amount of chili powder or add chopped hot peppers.
• For time-saving, use canned beans, but fresh ones soaked and cooked beforehand can also be used.
• Optionally, add a splash of red wine for a deeper flavor.
• Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley before serving for aroma and freshness.
• Serve chili with avocado chunks and ketchup for a richer experience.
• For easy preparation, use ready-made canned chili sauce.
• For acidity, add lemon or lime juice.
• If the chili is too spicy, add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to mellow the taste.
• Chili tastes better if cooked in advance and reheated before serving.

Common Mistakes

• Overcooking beef can make it tough and dry.
• Undercooking onions and peppers can leave them raw.
• Too much chili powder can make the dish inedibly spicy.
• Prolonged simmering over high heat can dry out the beef.
• Forgetting to add spices and cumin can make the chili taste bland.
• Not allowing the dish to rest can miss the opportunity for a deeper flavor.
• Over-salting or undersalting can ruin the taste of the chili.
• Using low-quality canned products can affect the dish's taste.
• Insufficient cooking of beans can make them tough.
• Forgetting to add herbs and cheese before serving can miss the chance to add aroma and freshness.

Fun Fact

Chili is considered one of Mexico's national dishes and has a history dating back several centuries. Interestingly, it got its name from the Spanish word "chile," which means "pepper."