Chef Sven's Easy Homemade Chili Recipe

Chef Sven • 2023-12-27

Welcome back, my fellow chefs! Today, I am delighted to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes – my easy homemade chili. This hearty and flavorful dish is perfect for those chilly winter nights or when you simply crave a comforting meal. And the best part? It requires just a handful of common ingredients that you may already have in your pantry!

But before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you a little story. Many years ago, when I was just starting my culinary journey, I had the opportunity to work with a renowned chili connoisseur named Carl. Carl was known far and wide for his delectable chili recipes. I was in awe of his culinary skills and begged him to share his secret recipe with me. To my surprise, he agreed!

Carl’s secret to a truly outstanding chili was the perfect blend of spices and the inclusion of two unexpected ingredients – cocoa powder and coffee. Yes, you heard me right – cocoa powder and coffee! These two ingredients added a rich depth of flavor and a touch of bitterness that balanced the sweetness of the tomatoes and the heat of the spices.

Now, without further ado, let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon instant coffee
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the ground beef to the pot and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles with a spoon.
4. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to toast the spices.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder and instant coffee with a bit of hot water to dissolve them. Add the mixture to the pot.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Serve hot with your choice of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

I hope you enjoy this easy homemade chili recipe as much as I do. It truly is a crowd-pleaser, and I guarantee it will warm your heart and soul. Stay tuned for more delicious recipes from Chef Sven!