Texas Chili con Carne

Ingredients for 4 servings:

• rapeseed oil
• 800 g minced beef
• 2 m.-large onion(s), finely chopped
• 1 ½ clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tsp black pepper, ground
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsp cumin, ground
• 1 chili pepper(s) (Habanero pepper, spice level 10)
• 1 large chili pepper(s) with a spiciness level of 1 – 4, e.g. canned green chili, Anaheim or Jalapeño
• 100 g tomato paste
• 1 class can/n tomatoes (400 ml)
• 300 ml beef broth
• 300 g corn, frozen
• 1 bell pepper(s), green, diced
• 1 class can/n kidney beans (225 g)
• 2 tsp oregano, dried or better fresh
• 100 g dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa content)

Instructions

Working time approx. 20 minutes; Cooking/baking time approx. 45 minutes; Total time approx. 1 hour 5 minutes

Texan recipe for the perfect party chili

Heat a large pot. Add plenty of rapeseed oil and, once hot, add the ground beef. If using frozen ground beef, thaw and drain first, as frozen ground beef contains more water. Cook, stirring gently. Then add the finely chopped onion and garlic and season with salt, pepper, and cumin. Do not add any other spices. Deseed the habanero pepper, finely dice it along with the mild chili pepper, and add it to the meat. Then stir in the tomato paste and quartered canned tomatoes (usually more flavorful than fresh tomatoes). Add enough beef broth to reach the right consistency. The amount depends largely on the vegetables and meat used. Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes. Then add the corn (frozen, as it is crunchier than canned corn), the well-rinsed kidney beans, and the diced bell pepper. Season with oregano (wild marjoram). Finally, stir in the chocolate pieces (to contrast the heat of the chili peppers) and simmer for another 10 minutes, until the chocolate has melted. Do not cook for longer, as this will cause the vegetables to become too soft. It’s best to let it cool and then reheat and serve the next day, as the flavor will be even more intense. Serve with white bread and/or rice. Tip: If the chili is too hot for you, you can stir in more warm beans at the table.