Gourmet Chili Con Carne Recipe

Chili con carne literally means "chili with meat". Chili with meat, not the other way. That indicates how important in this dish is chili pepper. It gives the dish the aroma, specific taste and ... hotness :)

Capsaicin, found mainly in the seeds, is responsible for chilli hotness. Hotness is defined by Scoville scale, ranging from zero (no hotness at all) to 16 millions (pure capsaicin)

Here is a list of most commonly known chili peppers:

Sweet bell pepper having zero scovilles
Pepperoncini chili having 100-500 scovilles
Anaheim chili having 500-1000 scovilles
Poblano chili having 1000-2000 scovilles
Jalapeno chili having 2500-8000 scovilles
Tabasco chili having 30,000-50,000 scovilles
Habanero chili having 100,000-350,000 scovilles
Red Savina Habanero chili having 200,000-580,000 scovilles
Naga Viper chili having 1,300,000 scovilles and holding the record

More information about chili peppers: Hot Chili - Seasoning Your Food with Cold Blood

Ok, enough of this introduction. Time the tasty chili recipe. And here it comes!

What you will need:

500 g minced biff
1 onion
3 cloves garlic
1 fresh medium sized Habanero chili pepper (for EXTRA HOT dish) or smaller for milder taste
1 can of hermetic tomatoes
1 can of red beans
1 box of chickpeas
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup water
good pinch of salt

Chop onion and garlic. Brown minced beef on a frying pan together with onions and garlic. Put latex gloves on for extra safety and chop chili pepper. If you want the dish to be milder, throw away the chili seeds.

Add water, tomatoes and chopped habanero. Stir with a fork during cooking, so that ground beef is in small chunks when it is cooked through. Let it cook until meat is soft. Mix in red beans, chickpeas and spices. Let it cook for a few minutes.

Serve with a salad and rice.

Capsaicin from chili peppers helps fighting cancer causing cancer cells to commit suicide, increases metabolic activity helping to burn fat and lose weight, protect the heart by reducing cholesterol levels, is a strong anti-inflammatory agent.



Garlic is a natural antibiotic containing antibacterial allicin and volatile sulfur compounds that help to fight respiratory diseases. It is also a rich source of vitamin C and B. In addition, garlic contains potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Among others it prevents calcification of arteries, reduces level of cholesterol in the blood and lowers blood sugar



Onion has strong bactericidal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It strengthens bones, teeth and nails. Improves the appearance of hair, gives it shine and elasticity, abounds among others in vitamins B1, B2, C, A, E, as well as calcium, sodium, magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, phosphorus, iodine, zinc, chromium and silicon.



Coriander contains antioxidants, has antibacterial properties especially against Salmonella, protects against urinary tract infections, is a good source of iron and magnesium, lowers blood sugar

Cumin is extremely good for digestion and related problems, stimulates heart, has antiseptic properties, is highly effective treatment for insomnia and strengthens the immune system

Cinnamon is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium, lowers cholesterol levels, reduces blood sugar levels, reduces arthritis pain, helps in headaches and migraine pain.