Are you ready for a chili recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to New Mexico? This Chili with Hatch Chiles recipe is a flavor explosion, combining the smoky sweetness of Hatch green chiles with the hearty warmth of a classic chili. It's perfect for a cozy night in, a game day gathering, or any occasion when you crave a delicious and satisfying meal. This easy recipe is surprisingly quick to make, offering a healthy and homemade alternative to takeout. Let's dive into this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 4-6 Hatch green chiles, roasted, peeled, and chopped (canned are a convenient alternative)
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Simmer the Chili
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, pinto beans, chopped Hatch chiles, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or longer for a deeper flavor. The longer it simmers, the richer the taste becomes!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your delicious Hatch chili hot, topped with your favorite fixings. Shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, creamy avocado slices, and fresh cilantro all make fantastic additions.
Cooking Tips for the Best Chili:
- Roasting the Hatch chiles: For the best flavor, roast the Hatch chiles directly over a gas flame or under a broiler until the skin is blackened. Place them in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let them steam for 10 minutes. Then, peel off the blackened skin and chop.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking. Start with less and add more if you prefer a spicier chili.
- Slow cooker option: This recipe is easily adaptable for a slow cooker. Brown the meat as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground meat with 1 cup of cooked lentils or crumbled vegetarian crumbles for a hearty vegetarian chili.
Variations:
- Beef and Bean Chili: Increase the amount of beans for a heartier chili with less meat.
- White Chili: Use white beans (like Great Northern or cannellini) instead of kidney and pinto beans for a creamy white chili.
- Chicken Chili: Substitute the ground beef with shredded cooked chicken for a lighter chili.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Fiber: 10-12g
This Chili with Hatch Chiles recipe is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy homemade cooking. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to your preferences and dietary needs, making it a go-to recipe for weeknights and special occasions alike. Enjoy!