Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne Recipe

Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne is a flavorful, hearty, and comforting dish that combines bold spices, tender beef, and fresh ingredients, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress family and friends.

What Is Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne

Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne is a modern take on the traditional Tex-Mex chili, renowned for its rich depth of flavor and hearty texture. The dish features ground beef slow-cooked with a variety of vegetables, beans, and spices, creating a complex and comforting meal.

Unlike many standard chili recipes, Jamie’s version incorporates fresh, vibrant ingredients like bell peppers, tomatoes, and even a touch of dark chocolate, which adds a unique layer of richness to the sauce. The use of various spices like cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder brings warmth and heat, but it’s balanced with the sweetness from the tomatoes and beans, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or an outdoor gathering.

Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne Recipe

Ingredients Needed

To make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Ground beef (typically around 500g or 1 lb for a hearty portion)
• Olive oil (for sautéing)
• Onion (1 medium-sized, finely chopped)
• Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced)
• Bell peppers (2, any color, diced)
• Tomatoes (2 large, chopped or 1 can of chopped tomatoes)
• Red kidney beans (1 can, drained and rinsed)
• Black beans (optional, 1 can)
• Chili powder (1-2 tablespoons depending on heat preference)
• Smoked paprika (1 tablespoon for a smoky depth)
• Ground cumin (1 teaspoon)
• Dark chocolate (a small piece, usually 1-2 squares, optional for richness)
• Beef stock (around 250 ml or 1 cup)
• Tomato paste (1 tablespoon)
• Coriander (fresh, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Equipment Needed

To prepare Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne, you’ll need the following equipment:

• Large skillet or frying pan (for browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables)
• Wooden spoon (for stirring)
• Chopping board and knife (for dicing vegetables and garlic)
• Can opener (for opening canned beans and tomatoes)
• Large pot or saucepan (to simmer the chili after browning the beef)
• Grater or knife (if grating the dark chocolate)
• Measuring spoons (for spices)
• Serving bowls (to dish up the chili)
• Ladle (optional, for serving)

How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne?

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Open the cans of beans and tomatoes, and set aside. Grate the dark chocolate if using.
2. Brown the Beef: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Once browned, remove excess fat, if necessary.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers to the pan with the beef. Stir and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
4. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook for another minute to release the spices’ flavors. Then add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
5. Simmer the Chili: Add the chopped tomatoes (or canned tomatoes), beef stock, and beans to the pan. Stir everything together, bring the mixture to a simmer, and then reduce the heat. Let it cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together and thicken the sauce.
6. Final Touches: If using, break the dark chocolate into pieces and stir it into the chili. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve and Garnish: Serve the chili hot, garnished with freshly chopped coriander and perhaps a dollop of sour cream, grated cheese, or a side of rice or crusty bread.

Expert Tips

1. Customize the Heat: Adjust the heat level by adding fresh chilies or increasing the chili powder. If you prefer a milder version, start with a smaller amount of chili powder and taste as you go.
2. Slow Cooking for Depth of Flavor: If you have more time, consider cooking the chili on low heat for a few hours or using a slow cooker. This method will deepen the flavors even further, making the dish even more delicious.
3. Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition: You can sneak in additional vegetables like carrots or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor without compromising the texture.
4. Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes incredibly well. Make a double batch and freeze individual portions for an easy meal later on.
5. Toppings: Don’t forget about the toppings! Try adding a few extras like crispy tortilla chips, fresh avocado, or a squeeze of lime to elevate the dish.

Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne is a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish that brings a hearty, comforting experience to your table. With its well-balanced mix of savory, smoky, and spicy flavors, it’s perfect for both casual family meals and more formal dinner parties.

Whether you’re making it on a weeknight or preparing a large batch for meal prep, this recipe offers the ideal combination of simplicity, taste, and nutritional value. So grab your ingredients, gather your family or friends, and enjoy this deliciously satisfying chili!.

Easy Recipe Variations For Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne

Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne is a hearty, comforting dish that’s packed with flavor. While his traditional recipe is a delicious blend of beef, beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, there are many easy variations you can try to make this dish your own or to adapt it to different dietary preferences. Here are some simple twists you can experiment with:

1. Vegetarian Chilli Con Carne:
   For a plant-based alternative, swap out the beef for lentils, tofu, or a mix of chopped mushrooms and vegetables. These substitutes can create a rich texture that complements the sauce’s spices. Use vegetarian or vegan-friendly stock cubes and avoid adding any dairy-based toppings like sour cream or cheese.

2. Spicy Chilli Con Carne:
   If you’re someone who loves heat, you can dial up the spiciness by incorporating fresh chillies, jalapeños, or even a spoonful of chipotle paste. You can also experiment with different types of chilli powders-smoked or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

3. Chilli Con Carne with Chocolate:
   Adding a small amount of dark chocolate or cocoa powder to your chilli can introduce a subtle, rich depth of flavor. Chocolate pairs wonderfully with the beans and tomatoes, adding a hint of sweetness and complexity that perfectly complements the spice. This variation is inspired by the traditional Mexican mole sauce.

4. Chilli Con Carne with Sweet Potatoes:
   For a slightly sweeter, earthy variation, include cubed sweet potatoes. They’ll absorb all the lovely spices while offering a soft contrast to the beans and meat. This is a great way to make the dish heartier and a bit more nutritious.

5. Chilli Con Carne with Quinoa:
   For a protein-packed, gluten-free alternative to rice, try pairing your chilli with quinoa. Its nutty flavor complements the chilli’s spices, and it’s a great way to switch up the usual side dish. You could also cook the quinoa directly in the chilli for an all-in-one meal.

6. Chilli Con Carne with Bacon or Chorizo:
   For a smoky flavor boost, add some crispy bacon bits or cubes of spicy chorizo to the base of your chilli. These ingredients infuse the chilli with extra layers of savory depth and a hint of smokiness.

7. Slow-Cooked Chilli Con Carne:
   For an even richer, more developed flavor, cook your chilli in a slow cooker. This allows the spices to meld over several hours, resulting in a tender, juicy meat texture and a more intense, concentrated sauce.

Best Practices To Store Leftovers

Chilli Con Carne is even better the next day, as the flavors have had time to develop and meld together. However, storing it correctly is key to preserving its taste and texture. Here are some best practices:

1. Cool Before Storing:
   Allow the chilli to cool down to room temperature before storing it. This will prevent condensation from forming, which can cause the dish to become watery and lose flavor. If you’re in a hurry, you can divide it into smaller portions to speed up the cooling process.

2. Airtight Containers:
   Store your chilli in airtight containers to lock in freshness and prevent any odors from the fridge from affecting its flavor. Make sure the lid is securely fastened before placing it in the refrigerator.

3. Refrigerating Leftovers:
   Chilli Con Carne can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It’s important not to leave it out at room temperature for too long, as the high moisture content can encourage bacterial growth.

4. Freezing:
   Chilli freezes very well, making it a perfect dish to prepare in advance. If you plan to freeze leftovers, let them cool completely before portioning them into freezer-safe containers. Label the containers with the date so you can keep track of how long they’ve been stored. Frozen chilli can last for up to 3 months.

5. Reheating:
   When reheating, always ensure the chilli is heated thoroughly to kill any bacteria that may have grown during storage. For stovetop reheating, simply add a bit of water or broth to loosen up the sauce and heat on medium-low. If reheating in the microwave, make sure to stir halfway through for even heating.

What Goes Well With Chilli Con Carne?

Chilli Con Carne is a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some ideas to create a balanced and satisfying meal:

1. Rice:
   The classic side for chilli, rice absorbs the spicy sauce and balances the richness of the dish. White, brown, or even cauliflower rice work well, depending on your preference.

2. Cornbread:
   This soft, slightly sweet bread makes an excellent accompaniment to the heat of the chilli. It can be served warm, and its crumbly texture contrasts nicely with the chili’s thick, hearty consistency.

3. Tortilla Chips:
   Crispy tortilla chips offer a satisfying crunch when paired with chilli. They can be used to scoop up the chilli, or you could even sprinkle them on top for extra texture.

4. Cheese:
   Shredded cheese-whether cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend-adds creaminess to the dish when melted on top of the chilli. Sour cream or Greek yogurt also works to cool down the spiciness, adding a smooth, tangy element.

5. Guacamole or Sliced Avocado:
   Avocado is another great cooling side, offering a creamy contrast to the heat of the chilli. Guacamole also brings in a fresh, citrusy note that complements the dish’s bold flavors.

6. Sauteed Greens:
   A side of sautéed greens like spinach, kale, or Swiss chard can help balance the richness of the chilli. The slight bitterness of the greens pairs nicely with the robust, spicy flavors of the dish.

7. Pickled Vegetables:
   A serving of tangy, pickled vegetables, such as jalapeños or carrots, adds a sharp contrast to the deep, savory flavours of the chilli.

Conclusion

Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne is a hearty and flexible dish that invites a variety of delicious variations and pairings. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore new twists, there are countless ways to personalize this dish to suit your tastes.

Storing leftovers properly ensures you get the most out of your meal, and pairing it with complementary sides and toppings can elevate it to an entirely new level. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh or reheated, chilli con carne is a go-to comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

FAQs

What Are The Key Ingredients In Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne Recipe?

Jamie Oliver’s chilli con carne recipe requires ground beef, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, kidney beans, and spices like cumin, paprika, and chilli powder. The recipe also uses ingredients like olive oil, and seasonings including salt, pepper, and a touch of honey for sweetness.

How Long Does It Take To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne?

The total cooking time for Jamie Oliver’s chilli con carne is about 1 hour, including preparation time and simmering time. It involves about 20 minutes of prep time and 40 minutes of cooking time, though you can simmer it for longer for a deeper flavor.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne Recipe Vegetarian?

Yes, you can make Jamie Oliver’s chilli con carne vegetarian by replacing the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils, mushrooms, or vegetarian mince. This will still provide a hearty, flavorful dish.

What Kind Of Beans Can I Use In Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne?

The recipe traditionally calls for kidney beans, but you can also use black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of different beans depending on your preferences.

Can I Freeze Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne?

Yes, Jamie Oliver’s chilli con carne freezes well. You can store it in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

What Should I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne?

Jamie Oliver’s chilli con carne is often served with rice, tortilla chips, or cornbread. It can also be accompanied by sour cream, guacamole, grated cheese, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

How Spicy Is Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne?

The level of spiciness in Jamie Oliver’s chilli con carne is moderate, depending on how much chilli powder or fresh chillies you add. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chilli or omit the fresh chillies altogether.

Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne In Advance?

Yes, you can make Jamie Oliver’s chilli con carne ahead of time. It actually improves in flavor after a day or two as the spices have more time to meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it when ready to serve.

What Can I Do If I Don’t Have All The Ingredients For Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne?

If you’re missing certain ingredients, you can substitute some items. For example, you can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.

You can also replace kidney beans with other types of beans or adjust the spices to suit your taste. The key is to keep the balance of flavors in check.

Is Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne Recipe Suitable For A Family Meal?

Yes, Jamie Oliver’s chilli con carne is an excellent choice for a family meal. It’s hearty, filling, and can be easily scaled up to serve a large group. Plus, it’s versatile and can be customized to meet different dietary preferences.