Ultimate Chili Beef (Con Carne) tips

sniffer66

it's good on toast though I prefer last night's curry for breakfast

jonna

I make this recipe regularly and everyone enjoys it                                                                        

Flimber

I've never had to use a thickener such as cornflour; I think I think that if you need to do that then summat's wrong. Either simmer for longer or use more concentrated tomato paste if you must. Ovening the thing can 'dry it out' a bit too, obviously (lowish heat for as long as you can).

Trollslayer

I am going to make my fourth pan of chilli - ever - in a day or so, I'll add a stock cube and see how that goes.
Didn't wreck the first three but onion chopping still has a way to go.
Got some good tips here, thanks everyone.

bluedroog

You could try blitzing your onion in a food processor. I haven't tried it for chilli yet but was thinking about it yesterday. I (as do many) start many curry dishes this way and it is a great base for a thick sauce but also saves chopping.

Trollslayer

Thanks

THE_FORCE

I always add some MSG - takes it to another level and, along with the other ingredients I use, requires the use of less salt for seasoning.

pRot3us

I've not tried it myself, but I've heard good things about adding a bottle of one of my favourite tipples :

                                                                                 
and reducing it down.

Flimber

I made a whisky one recently and that really added some nice flavouring which went really well with the spiciness.

bluedroog

Well I've been back on it again today. I went for a combination of meats and it is still cooking but in all honesty in my 'tasting' I've probably had a full meal before sitting down with the mrs for the official one!

So I've gone with one pack good quality mince, two packets of quality beef shin cut in to small chunks and six quality pork sausages taken out of their skins. I love the combination of sausage meat and mince and always make my lasagnes this way.

I haven't put the beans in yet (I also not beans are an area of controversy in the states) but normally go with kidney, this time I'm going with kidney as well as pinto.

I'm going to add a small freshly brewed coffee today too now and leave it for tomorrow when I'll add the beans and give it a final half hour or so.