METHOD
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Spice mix
First prepare the spice mix. Blend all herbs and spices in a spice (or coffee) grinder. Set aside until needed.
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Onion, garlic, carrots
Dice the onions and grate the garlic and carrots, using the smallest holes in a grater. Set a pressure cooker over medium high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onions, grated garlic and grated carrots. Lower the heat to medium low and fry for about 10 minutes, until soft and golden. After five minutes add one teaspoon of blended spice mix. After 10 minutes, add 1dc of hot boiling water to your veggies. Remove from the heat and scrap the bottom out into a bowl.
TipScrape it all out, because otherwise you lose the most important part of the flavour. -
Minced beef
Clean the bottom of the pressure cooker with a paper kitchen towel, return the cooker to high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add half of the minced beef. Fry for 7 minutes. Add half of the red wine. Remove from the heat and scrap it out into a bowl with your carrots, garlic and onions. Return to the heat and repeat the process with the remaining minced beef and red wine.
TipScrape it all out, because otherwise you lose the most important part of the flavor. -
Cook
Return the pressure cooker to medium low heat. Add the tomato paste and fry for 1 minute. Add brandy, stir well. Add the fried vegetables and minced beef. Stir well, add one teaspoon of your spice mix and cook for 2 minutes. Add the tomato passata and 600 ml beef stock or water. Place the lid on top of the cooker and cook for one hour at full pressure.
TipIf you do not own a pressure cooker, you can easily cook in a pot, but instead of one hour, you have to cook for 3 hours on low heat, stirring occasionally. -
Cook
After an hour, release all the pressure out of the pressure cooker, open the lid. Add the corn, beans, dark chocolate and a teaspoon of spice mix, stir well. Adjust the liquid. If you like a bit thicker Chili con carne, let it be, if not, add some hot water. Season to taste with salt and pepper
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serve
Serve your Chili con carne with tortillas or rice. Add a teaspoon of creme fraiche or sour cream to your plate. For an extra spiciness add a bit of Tabasco sauce. You can also serve with grilled corn, grilled bell peppers and sprinkle with fresh coriander leaves.