Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Recipe
There is nothing quite like a big bowl of spicy, hearty beef. The Hairy Bikers Chilli Con Carne Recipe is a true classic. It is perfect for a cold night or a big family gathering.
Ingredients
- 500 g lean ground beef minced beef.
- 2 medium onions finely chopped.
- 2 garlic cloves crushed or minced.
- 1-2 fresh red chillies finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat).
- 1 teaspoon chili powder mild or hot.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander.
- 1 tablespoon plain flour.
- 150 ml dry red wine optional, use stock if preferred.
- 300 ml beef stock.
- 1 can 400g chopped tomatoes.
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano.
- 1 teaspoon sugar.
- 1 can 400g kidney beans, drained and rinsed.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Fresh coriander for garnish.
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- Place a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced beef and cook until browned. Use your wooden spoon to break up any large chunks. Drain off any excess fat from the pan.
Sauté the Vegetables
- Add the chopped onions to the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and fresh chillies. Cook for another minute until you smell the wonderful aroma.
Add the Spices
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and coriander over the meat. Stir well to coat everything in the spices. Let the spices toast for one minute. This step helps release all the deep flavors.
Stir in the Flour
- Add the tablespoon of flour to the pan. Stir it into the meat and vegetable mixture. Cook for one minute to remove the raw flour taste. The flour helps thicken the sauce beautifully later.
Pour in the Liquids
- Slowly pour in the red wine if you are using it. Let it bubble for a minute to reduce slightly. Then, stir in the beef stock, chopped tomatoes, and tomato purée. Mix everything together well.
Season and Simmer
- Add the dried oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Turn the heat down to low and cover with a lid. Simmer gently for at least 45 minutes.
Add the Beans
- Stir in the drained kidney beans after the simmering time is up. Cook for another 10 to 15 minutes without the lid. This allows the sauce to thicken more. The beans should be heated through.
The Final Touch
- Taste the chilli and add more salt or pepper if needed. If it is too thick, add a splash of water. Sprinkle fresh coriander over the top before serving. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!
Notes
- Low and Slow: If you have time, simmer for 90 minutes. This makes the meat even more tender.
- The Chocolate Secret: Add a small square of dark chocolate at the end. It adds a rich, dark color and depth.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for extra beans, lentils, or meat-free crumbles. It is still very tasty.
- Adjust the Heat: Use more fresh chillies for a spicy kick. Remove all seeds if you prefer a mild flavor.
- Let it Rest: Chilli often tastes better the next day. The flavors have more time to mingle and develop.