Are you craving a hearty, flavourful meal that's both satisfying and simple to make? Look no further! This Jamie Oliver-inspired chili recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and healthy dinner option that the whole family will love. Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this easy chili is packed with fresh ingredients and vibrant spices, creating a depth of flavour you won't believe. It's the perfect example of delicious dishes achievable with homemade cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel), undrained
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and bell peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Brown the meat: Add the ground beef to the pot and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
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Simmer the chili: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors meld.
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Serve and enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, if desired. Serve with your favorite sides – cornbread, rice, or even a simple green salad make excellent accompaniments.
Tips for the Best Chili:
- Don't be afraid to adjust the spices: This recipe is a great starting point; feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your liking. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or corn to your chili.
- Use different beans: Experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto beans or chickpeas.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for lunch or dinner throughout the week. This is a great recipe for meal prepping and healthy meal planning.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit the ground beef and add 1 cup of chopped mushrooms or crumbled vegetarian sausage for a hearty vegetarian version.
- White Chicken Chili: Substitute ground chicken for the beef and add a can of white beans. Reduce the chili powder and add a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This quick dinner idea is a fantastic example of easy recipes that deliver big on flavor. Enjoy your delicious and healthy homemade chili!