Chili Con Carne With Beans And Corn
The Origins of Chili Con Carne
Chili con carne is a dish that originated in the American Southwest, particularly in Texas. It was originally a simple dish of meat, chili peppers, and spices that was often cooked over an open fire. The dish gradually evolved and became more complex, with the addition of beans, tomatoes, and other ingredients.
Ingredients
Making chili con carne with beans and corn is surprisingly easy, and you won't need many exotic ingredients. The most essential ingredients are:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups water
Instructions
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make chili con carne with beans and corn:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook for about 3 minutes until the onion is softened.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper, and cook for another minute to toast the spices.
- Add the canned tomatoes (with juice), beans, corn, and water. Stir well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve hot with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro.
Variations and Tips
While chili con carne is a classic dish, there are many ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some variations and tips to try:
- Instead of ground beef, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or pork. You can also use chopped steak or steak tips for a heartier texture.
- For extra spice, add some sliced jalapeno peppers or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- If you're short on time, you can use a packet of chili seasoning mix instead of measuring out individual spices.
- Leftover chili can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat chili, simply heat it up in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
Conclusion
Chili con carne with beans and corn is a classic American dish that is hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party food, this recipe is sure to be a hit. With just a few simple ingredients and some easy steps, you can make a pot of chili that is perfect for any occasion. So why not give it a try and see how delicious it can be?