🌶️ Introduction
Spice up your taste buds with an irresistible dish – Berry Chilli Con Carne! This recipe, inspired by the renowned chef Mary Berry, combines the flavors of juicy berries and savory meat to create a mouthwatering experience.
Whether you’re a fan of spicy food or simply looking for a delicious meal, this berry chilli con carne will surely satisfy your cravings. In this blog, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of creating this delightful dish, so get ready to embark on a spicy culinary adventure!
🍅 Ingredients
To make the perfect berry chilli con carne, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 large chillies (or more if you like it extra spicy)
- 2 medium-sized onions
- 2-3 cloves of garlic
- 2 spitzpaprikas (sweet red peppers)
- 800g minced beef
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 700g passata (or chopped tomatoes)
- 1 can of red kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 can of sweetcorn
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Fresh cream cheese (optional)
🔪 Instructions
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the exciting process of making berry chilli con carne:
1. Prepare the Chili
– Start by cutting the chillies in half, removing the stems, and finely chopping them. Don’t forget to include the seeds for an extra kick of spiciness.
– Next, finely chop the onions and garlic cloves. – If you enjoy the flavor and texture, slice the spitzpaprikas into strips and then dice them into small pieces.
2. Spice it Up
– In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat some oil over high heat. – Add the minced beef and brown it until it develops a rich, caramelized crust.
This step will enhance the depth of flavor in your dish.
– Once the beef is nicely browned, reduce the heat to medium and add the onions, garlic, chillies, and spitzpaprikas to the pot.
– Stir in the tomato paste, brown sugar, chilli powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and cocoa powder.
These spices will infuse the dish with a delightful blend of flavors. – Allow the ingredients to cook together for a few minutes, enjoying the tantalizing aroma.
3. Tomato Goodness
– Pour in the passata (or chopped tomatoes) and stir everything together. The rich, velvety texture of the tomatoes will bring the dish to life.
– Reduce the heat to low and let the chilli simmer for about an hour, occasionally stirring to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
– If you find the mixture becoming too thick, you can add a little water or broth to achieve your desired consistency.
4. The Finishing Touch
– After an hour of simmering, add the rinsed red kidney beans and canned sweetcorn to the pot. These ingredients will add a delightful pop of color and texture to the dish.
– Let the chilli simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
– Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
5. Serve and Enjoy
– Your berry chilli con carne is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
– For an extra creamy touch, you can add a dollop of fresh cream cheese on top. The coolness of the cream cheese will balance out the spiciness of the dish.
– Pair your berry chilli con carne with some crusty bread, rice, or even tortilla chips for a complete and satisfying meal.
🍽️ FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about berry chilli con carne:
Q: Can I make berry chilli con carne in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Simply follow the same steps until you’ve added all the ingredients to the pot. Then, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time will allow the flavors to develop even further.
Q: Can I make the dish less spicy?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chilli powder, cayenne pepper, or even omit them altogether. Adjust the heat levels according to your taste, and don’t forget to remove the seeds from the chillies if you want a milder flavor.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, berry chilli con carne freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I customize the recipe?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of chilli con carne lies in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different types of meat, such as ground turkey or chicken, or add your favorite vegetables for added depth and nutrition. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the recipe your own!
🔥 Conclusion
Congratulations! You have mastered the art of making delicious berry chilli con carne. This incredible dish, with its perfect balance of heat and sweetness, is sure to become a family favorite.
So gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy the flavorsome journey of creating this mouthwatering meal. Whether you choose to serve it with bread, rice, or tortilla chips, berry chilli con carne is bound to impress your taste buds. Give it a try and experience the delightful fusion of flavors for yourself!
