What's the best secret ingredient for Chilli Con Carne?

You will find recipes with all sorts of secret ingredients from chocolate to fish sauce (eek!) but we think a dollop of our signature smoky Chipotle Paste is the best secret ingredient for Chilli Con Carne. It is made with a blend of chipotle and rare Mexican chillies which add a smoky depth of flavour and the paste also brings a sweetness from caramelised onion. A dollop of Chipotle Paste just seems to meld all the delicious flavours together.

What spices go into Chilli Con Carne?

We add flavour to our chilli con carne with cumin, coriander powder, oregano, ground cinnamon and a good dollop of our smoky Chipotle Paste. Chilli Con Carne might require more salt than you think, be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

What should I not add to Chilli Con Carne?

Raw beef mince! We recommend you always brown the mince before adding to bring the best flavour out in the meat.

How do I get a Chilli Con Carne that's tender?

Simmer, simmer, simmer! Our recipe calls for the chilli con carne to simmer for an hour and this ensures the meat is tender and the flavours come together beautifully.

What kind of beans should I use for Chilli Con Carne?

We like using our Cantina Beans which are authentic black beans but if you didn't have any on hand you could use red kidney or pinto beans in this recipe.

How do I cool down a chilli con carne that's too hot?

First try a pinch of sugar to balance the flavour. If that doesn't work, then try adding more chopped tomatoes and/or beans to it.

Is chilli con carne healthy?

Our chilli con carne recipe is packed full of good nutrients, protein and fibre and can fit into a healthy diet and lifestyle. If you are looking to reduce the calories, we recommend choosing a beef mince with only 5% fat, using only a small amount of olive oil when browning the mince and draining off any fat. Turkey breast mince is also another healthy substitute. Serving this chilli con carne with a crisp green Mexican salad rather than over fries or in a burrito is also a healthier option.

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