Chili Carne

[Connemmara]

I bought a chilli con carne spicy packet to make it a few weeks ago - my God it was awful that I threw it out - can't remember the name of the packet - I know some of you make it from scratch but can any of you name a nice jar blah blah thank

[Old_Geezer]

I suspect those who make it from scratch, by definition, aren't going to use jars of ready made stuff, but add the spices etc. to the meat/beans themselves.

[catsrcool]

I make it from scratch using this recipe: http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/beef-recipes/good-old-chilli-con-carne it's worth the effort and you won't want to buy any stuff in jars again.

[AlwaysConfused]

Tend to make ours from scratch, but asda do the best one - a mild or hot tex mex sauce. OH is quite fussy, but seems to like it much more than Uncle Bens or Olde Paso for example.

[Connemmara]

always confused - to avoid going up and down aisles - is it Asda's own make. May take Jamie's on some time when I am up to it - thanks guys for your replies - I thought you had forgotten

[EcclesCake]

I'm not entirely sure I understand the appeal of making a chilli using packets or jars, making a chilli is so simple and has none of the artificial rubbish you will find in the prepared stuff.

Having looked on the web at the various potions available you still need to chop an onion and some garlic, add the mince. Then it is a toss up whether adding a couple of teaspoons of spices, a tin of toms, kidney beans and some beef stock is really that different to using the expensive packet stuff. A chilli takes around 20minutes to prepare from scratch and then a good while simmering.

Making from scratch really is the best answer, health and cost wise. Leftovers can be frozen for another day.

[Connemmara]

I understand what you are saying Eccles and I am indeed a person makes from scratch but that packet of spices (don't remember the name) was nearly poisonous and now I don't want to buy similar.

[Connemmara]

by the way what spices would you be talking about - thanks

[bluebirdino]

theres loads of different recipes connemmara and chili con carne is easy to make . just google chilli con carne and youll have loads of options . one tip though , if you chop any chillies make sure you wash your hands thouroughly , you dont want to be rubbing your eyes (or anywhere else !) with chilli residue on your fingers . good luck .

[EcclesCake]

To make a chilli con carne I would use as bare minimum chilli powder and cumin. Ideally I would add some ground coriander and paprika, they are desirable for depth of flavour but not essential. If you have dried herbs in the cupboard then some thyme or oregano would be nice.

Do you keep these spices in your cupboard normally?

[Connemmara]

Yes I do indeed - some of those mentioned would be there - thanks Eccles. Am making cauliflower, bacon pork sausages and pork chops for dinner for the blister and myself tomorrow.

[bushbaby_de]

The Discovery one is good - it has a little jar of spices that you sprinkle on the meat first, then a bigger jar of sauce that you add and simmer for half an hour. I add some chickpeas, lentils and sour cream. Yum yum yum.

[murraymints]

Made one this morning....use fresh scotch bonnet chilli and peppers but add a pack of ASDA mix as thickening agent.....

[LyndaB]

When I make chilli, at the end of the cooking time I always add a square of dark chocolate. Stir it in well - it's amazing the difference it makes! Don't use milk chocolate.

[coriander2]

I made this ;
last night.Everybody cleared their plates. Serves 4

1 jar Dolmio Bolognese Original Sauce
500g best minced steak
2 cloves garlic crushed
1 onion chopped
25 g mushrooms
1 red pepper seeded and chopped
1 fresh chilli seeded and chopped
1 small tin good quality kidney beans drained
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp thyme