I’ve always been drawn to meals that slow down time and bring everyone together around the table. When I first came across Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne, I knew it would be a winner. There’s something magical about slow-cooked dishes-they develop such deep, rich flavors that you just can’t replicate in a quick meal. I remember the first time I tried making it. The house smelled like heaven for hours, and when we finally sat down to eat, I knew I had found a new favorite recipe.
Slow cooking does something special to ingredients. The low and slow process melds flavors in a way that’s hard to beat. And the best part? You can just set it and forget it. As it simmers away, you can go about your day and come back to a delicious, hearty dish.
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne is the kind of dish you want to make when you’re craving warmth and comfort. It’s got layers of flavor, a balance of heat and richness, and can be tailored to suit your own taste. I remember thinking the first time I made it: ’This is what food should taste like-simple, honest, and delicious.’
This recipe uses a variety of spices that work together perfectly, like cumin, smoked paprika, and cinnamon, and it’s all brought together with a long, slow cooking time. It’s also incredibly flexible. You can add more heat or make it milder depending on what your taste buds are after. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to feed a crowd with minimal effort.
Ingredients Needed
When it comes to the ingredients for this recipe, the list is simple but packed with flavor.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Beef chuck or brisket: These cuts are perfect for slow cooking. They break down beautifully, creating a tender, flavorful base.
- Olive oil: To start the base and get that perfect sear on the meat.
- Onions, garlic, and carrots: These are the aromatics that build the foundation of the dish.
- Spices: Cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and ground cinnamon.
- Canned tomatoes: The heart of the sauce, providing richness.
- Beef stock: For that extra depth of flavor.
- Red kidney beans: Classic in chilli con carne, they add texture and substance.
- Dark chocolate: A surprising but essential ingredient that adds complexity and depth to the dish.
The beauty of the ingredient list is how it’s a balance of hearty, savory, and aromatic elements. Each ingredient contributes to the final dish, and while the list may seem long, the process itself is straightforward and forgiving.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne
Making this chilli con carne is surprisingly easy, but it does require a little time. Here’s how I like to do it:
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the onions, garlic, and carrots. Cut the beef into chunks. It doesn’t need to be perfect; just make sure it’s bite-sized.
- Sear the beef: Heat some olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Sear the beef in batches so it gets a nice golden crust. This step is essential for flavor. You can’t rush it.
- Cook the aromatics: Once the beef is browned, set it aside. In the same pot, toss in the onions, garlic, and carrots. Stir them around until softened and fragrant.
- Add the spices: Now it’s time to get that wonderful aroma going. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of cinnamon. Let it toast for a minute to release the oils.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the canned tomatoes and beef stock. Scrape the bottom of the pot to get all the flavor off. Then return the beef to the pot and bring everything to a simmer.
- Slow cook: Transfer the pot to the oven or a slow cooker. Let it cook low and slow for at least 3 hours. You want the beef to be melt-in-your-mouth tender and the sauce to thicken.
- Finish it off: In the last 30 minutes, stir in the kidney beans and dark chocolate. Let them cook until everything is rich and flavorful.
- Serve: Ladle the chilli into bowls. It’s perfect with rice, cornbread, or a simple dollop of sour cream.
What’s amazing about this recipe is that once everything is in the pot, it practically takes care of itself. The slow cooking allows the flavors to meld, and the longer you cook it, the better it gets.
Ingredient Science Spotlight
I love diving into the science behind ingredients, especially when it comes to slow cooking. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key components:
- Beef cuts (chuck/brisket): These cuts come from areas of the cow that do a lot of work, so they’re tough. But when slow-cooked, the collagen in the meat breaks down, creating a melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
- Spices: The cumin, paprika, and chili powder are great for building layers of flavor. The cinnamon, however, adds a unique depth. It doesn’t scream “sweet”, but it enhances the savory richness of the dish.
- Dark chocolate: Chocolate in chilli might sound unusual, but it adds a subtle richness that elevates the dish. It reacts with the acidity of the tomatoes, balancing it out and rounding out the flavors. Plus, the bitterness of the chocolate complements the heat from the chili powder.
Every ingredient plays a part in creating the dish’s final, rich profile. When you slow cook it, all those flavors meld together into something truly special.
Expert Tips
- Brown the meat well: This step cannot be rushed. Searing the beef adds a deep, caramelized flavor that’s essential for the depth of the dish.
- Low and slow is key: Don’t be tempted to speed up the cooking process. The slow cooking time allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become incredibly tender.
- Use a Dutch oven: If you have one, it’s a great way to slow-cook this dish. It holds heat evenly and helps with the browning process.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the chili sit for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to come together even more.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with a moderate amount of chili powder, and taste-test towards the end. You can always add more heat, but it’s hard to tone it down if you go too far.
Recipe Variations
What’s great about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways you can make it your own:
- Swap the meat: While beef is classic, you can use lamb, turkey, or even a mix of different meats.
- Go vegetarian: Skip the meat entirely and add extra beans or lentils. You’ll still get a hearty, satisfying meal.
- More heat: Add fresh chilies or a splash of hot sauce for extra kick.
- Smokier flavor: If you love smoke, add a chipotle pepper or use smoked salt.
Feel free to get creative. Jamie’s version is just a starting point-there’s room to make it your own.
Final Words
Jamie Oliver’s Slow Cooked Chilli Con Carne is one of those recipes that feels like a cozy hug. It’s simple but packed with flavor, and it’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table feel at home. Plus, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a more festive gathering.
FAQs
How Long Should I Cook Jamie Oliver’s Slow-cooked Chilli Con Carne?
Jamie recommends cooking it on low for 4-5 hours or until the meat is tender and the flavors are well developed.
Can I Use A Slow Cooker For Jamie Oliver’s Chilli Con Carne Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just follow the recipe and adjust cooking time to suit your slow cooker settings.
What Can I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Slow-cooked Chilli Con Carne?
It pairs great with rice, cornbread, or a simple side of tortilla chips.