Chili paired with cornbread is a classic comfort food combination, perfect for cozy meals. Here's a comprehensive recipe to prepare both dishes:
Hearty Beef Chili
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Sauté Aromatics:
o In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
o Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
o Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
2. Cook Beef:
o Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon.
o Cook until browned and no longer pink.
3. Add Vegetables and Spices:
o Stir in diced red and green bell peppers.
o Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
o Cook for 2-3 minutes to allow the spices to release their flavors.
4. Incorporate Beans and Tomatoes:
o Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato paste, and beef broth.
o Stir to combine all ingredients.
5. Simmer:
o Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
o Cover and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld.
6. Adjust Seasoning:
o Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
Classic Cornbread
Ingredients:
• 1 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven:
o Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
o Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or a cast-iron skillet.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
o In a large bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients:
o In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter.
4. Combine Mixtures:
o Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
o Stir until just combined; avoid overmixing to prevent a tough texture.
5. Bake:
o Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
o Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
o Allow cornbread to cool slightly before slicing.
o Serve warm alongside the chili.
Serving Suggestions:
• Toppings for Chili: Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
• Cornbread Variations: For added flavor, mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of diced jalapeños into the cornbread batter before baking.
Enjoy your hearty meal of chili and cornbread!
Jenna Denise Site
Chili and Cornbread