Get Started!
To begin this culinary journey, gather your ingredients. You'll need 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, 2 finely chopped onions, 4 finely chopped garlic cloves,
and 2 roughly chopped yellow peppers, after removing the seeds. In addition, you will need 2 jarred roasted red peppers, drained and roughly chopped, 15g of finely chopped coriander stalks with the leaves reserved for garnish, 2 teaspoons each of ground cumin and coriander, ¼ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, and 1 tablespoon of light brown soft sugar (optional). Consider adding 1–2 tablespoons of chipotle paste if you like it spicy. Also, you'll require a 400g can each of black beans, kidney beans, cannellini beans, and chopped tomatoes, along with 300ml of vegetable stock, and 20g of roughly chopped dark chocolate. Rice, lime wedges, avocado slices, and soured cream are also needed for serving.
Sauté The Veggies
The cooking process begins with heating the vegetable oil in a deep pan or flameproof casserole dish over medium-low heat. Add the finely chopped onions and a pinch of salt, then cook for approximately 10-12 minutes, until they soften. Once softened, incorporate the garlic and the chopped peppers, cooking for about 5 minutes more. Next, introduce the coriander stalks, the spices, dried oregano, sugar, and chipotle paste (if using). Cook for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring that all ingredients meld together and soften. This initial step forms the aromatic base, setting the stage for a flavourful chilli.
Add The Beans!
After the vegetables have softened, introduce the beans, along with their liquid, the chopped tomatoes, and the vegetable stock into the pan. Season well to enhance the flavours and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step is crucial, as it combines the hearty beans with the rich tomato base and aromatic spices. Ensuring a proper simmer allows the flavours to meld, creating a deep, complex taste. This is the point where the chilli starts to develop its signature, comforting essence.
Simmer And Thicken
Let the chilli simmer over low heat for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, until it has thickened and reduced. This prolonged simmering is essential to meld the flavours and allow the chilli to reach the desired consistency. Near the end of the cooking time, stir in the roughly chopped dark chocolate. The addition of chocolate enriches the chilli's flavour, adding a subtle sweetness and depth that elevates the overall taste. Finally, season the chilli to taste, adjusting for salt and other spices as needed.
Serve And Enjoy
Once the chilli is ready, serve it over rice. For added flavour and texture, accompany the chilli with lime wedges, sliced avocado, soured cream, and fresh coriander. The toppings are not merely decorative; they add layers of flavour and complement the richness of the chilli. The cooling sour cream, the zesty lime, and the creamy avocado provide a delightful contrast to the warmth and spice of the chilli. The fresh coriander adds a final touch of freshness, making each bite a balanced and satisfying experience.
