Although some may think that chili con carne is an authentic Mexican dish, it is actually an original American dish, made only in a few places in Mexico in order to cater to the tourists. If the dish were Mexican, it would still be a staple on the Mexican menus throughout the country, since traditional dishes do not go away that easily in Mexico.
American Chili Con Carne
Course: MainCuisine: American, MexicanDifficulty: Medium6
servings15
minutes5
hours434
kcal5
hours15
minutesAlthough some may think that chili con carne is an authentic Mexican dish, it is actually an original American dish, made only in a few places in Mexico in order to cater to the tourists. If the dish were Mexican, it would still be a staple on the Mexican menus throughout the country, since traditional dishes do not go away that easily in Mexico.
Ingredients
- FOR THE CHILI SAUCE
4 guajillo peppers
4 ancho peppers
Salt to taste
- FOR THE CHILI
3.5-4 pound chuck roast cut into ¾-1 inch cubes
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon Mexican oregano
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 jalapeno peppers chopped
1 large onion chopped
10 cloves garlic chopped
2-4 cups beef stock
OPTIONAL ADDITIONS Worcestershire sauce, tomato sauce, chili or kidney beans, extra spicy chili powders
FOR SERVING Crema or sour cream, fresh chopped herbs, spicy chili flakes or chopped chiles, shredded cheese – all your favorite chili fixins. I served mine with spicy chili flakes and fresh chopped cilantro.
Directions
- Make your chili sauce first by lightly toasting the dried ancho and guajillo peppers in a dry pan about a minute or 2 per side. This will help to release the oils.
- Remove from heat and cool enough to handle. Remove the stems and pour out the seeds.
- Soak the peppers in hot water for 20 minutes, or until they are nice and soft.
- Add them to a food processor with 1.5 cups of the soaking water and a bit of salt to taste. Process until nice and smooth. Set aside for now.
- Add the cubed beef to a large bowl and toss with the paprika, Mexican oregano, black pepper, brown sugar, cumin, coriander and a bit of salt. Make sure everything is nice and coated.
- Heat the oil in a large pot and add the seasoned beef along with the jalapenos and onion. Cook them down 6-7 minutes, searing the beef all over.
- Add the garlic and stir. Cook another minute.
- Pour in the reserved chili sauce and stir. Cook it for 5 minutes to let the flavor develop a bit.
- Stir in the 2 cups of beef broth and bring to a quick boil. If you’d prefer a soupier chili, add in 4 cups of beef broth. If you are using the optional additions, add them in now.
- Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender.
- Serve with your favorite fixins!
