From the spiciness of the chili peppers, to the richness of the beef and beans, chili is a delightfully flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. With the right ingredients, you can make chili from scratch that will make your taste buds jump for joy. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to make chili from scratch.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you get started, you’ll need to stock up on the ingredients you need for your chili. The exact ingredients will vary depending on your recipe, but some of the most common ingredients used to make chili from scratch include ground beef, garlic, onion, bell pepper, canned tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, beans, and beef broth. You may also want to add additional vegetables and spices, depending on your preferences.
Brown the Beef
Once you have all your ingredients on hand, it’s time to start cooking. Begin by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pot, then add the ground beef. Cook the beef, stirring occasionally, until it’s completely browned. Once the beef is cooked through, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot and set it aside in a bowl.
Sauté the Veggies
Once the beef is cooked and set aside, reduce the heat to medium and add the garlic, onion, bell pepper, and any other vegetables you’ve chosen to use. Sauté the vegetables until they’re tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Once the vegetables are cooked, add the cooked beef back to the pot.
Add the Seasonings
Next, you’ll want to add the spices and seasonings. Start by adding the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and any other spices you may be using. Stir everything together to combine the flavors, then add a tablespoon of tomato paste and stir it in.
Add the Tomatoes and Beans
Once the spices are added, it’s time to add the canned tomatoes and beans. Pour the entire contents of the can into the pot, then add the beef broth and stir everything together. Simmer the chili for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add Additional Ingredients
If you’d like, you can also add additional ingredients to give your chili an extra boost. Some popular additions include corn, black olives, and shredded cheese. Add these ingredients to the pot and stir them in, then let the chili simmer for another 5 minutes.
Let It Simmer
Once all the ingredients are added to the pot, it’s time to let the chili simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let the chili cook for at least an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer the chili simmers, the more flavorful it will become.
Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chili is done cooking, it’s time to enjoy! Serve the chili with your favorite toppings and sides, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, corn chips, and more. Enjoy your homemade chili from scratch!
Conclusion
Making chili from scratch is a simple and satisfying way to enjoy a delicious meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and delicious chili that will make your taste buds sing. Follow the steps above to make your own chili from scratch, and enjoy the delicious results!