Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne is a classic, hearty dish that creates a rich and satisfying meal. This dish, whose name translates to “chili with meat” in Spanish, is a wonderful example of comfort food with a delightful balance of meatiness and spiciness.
Preparation time
less than 30 mins
Cooking time
30 mins to 1 hr
Serves
Serves 4
By Mary Berry
From Saturday Kitchen
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Chopping board
- Knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring spoons
- Can opener
Ingredients
- Olive oil (2 tbsp)
- Onion, chopped (1 large)
- Garlic cloves, chopped (2)
- Red pepper, deseeded and chopped (1)
- Green pepper, deseeded and chopped (1)
- Ground cumin (1 tsp)
- Ground coriander (1 tsp)
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
- Cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp)
- Beef mince (500g)
- Chopped tomatoes (400g can)
- Red kidney beans, drained and rinsed (400g can)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Beef stock cube (1)
- Tomato purée (2 tbsp)
- Additional spices like hot chili powder, paprika, and dried marjoram
- Optional: red wine (150ml), Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons), dark chocolate (25g, chopped)
(N.B. when you taste the richness that dark chocolate brings to dishes like this it will no longer be optional)
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Cook the chopped onion until soft, followed by adding the garlic and peppers.
- Add the cumin, coriander, paprika and cayenne and cook them briefly to release their flavours.
- Brown the minced beef in the pan, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add the chopped tomatoes, red kidney beans, beef stock, tomato purée, and optional ingredients like red wine and Worcestershire sauce.
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 20-40 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meat is tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
- Fridge: Cool the Mary Berry Chilli Con Carne and store it in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in suitable containers for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of water or broth if needed.
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