# Chili con Carne

A hearty bean and meat stew using expired dried beans from inventory.

## Ingredients

**From inventory (use first - expired):**
- [ ] 💧 200g dried pinto beans `ID:pinto-beans-usa` (F-12, pantry-foodbox, EXPIRED 2024-04)
- [ ] 💧 200g borlotti beans `ID:beans-borlotti` (Loose-items-in-foodbox, pantry-foodbox, EXPIRED 2025-04)
- [ ] 1 bouillon cube `ID:bouillon-chicken-maggi` (F-01, pantry-foodbox, EXPIRED 2025-05)

**From inventory:**
- [ ] 2 tsp ground cumin `ID:cumin-mykouzina` (F-13, pantry-foodbox)
- [ ] 1 tsp ground chili `ID:chili-aladham` (F-13, pantry-foodbox)
- [ ] 1 tsp smoked paprika `ID:paprika-smoked-kotanyi` (F-13, pantry-foodbox, bb:2026-03)
- [ ] 1 tsp sweet paprika `ID:paprika-sweet-kania` (F-13, pantry-foodbox)
- [ ] 1 tsp oregano `ID:oregano-sklavenitis` (F-13, pantry-foodbox, bb:2025-11)
- [ ] Black pepper `ID:pepper-black-harmony` (F-13, pantry-foodbox)
- [ ] 400g crushed tomatoes `ID:tomato-marata` (upper-saloon-starboard)
- [ ] 1 jar pickled peppers `ID:pickled-peppers` (optional, pantry-fridge, bb:2026-11)

**Needs shopping:**
- [ ] 🛒 500g ground beef (or use more beans for vegetarian version)
- [ ] 🛒 2 onions
- [ ] 🛒 4 cloves garlic
- [ ] 🛒 Fresh coriander (optional, for serving)

**Preparation needed:**
- [ ] 💧 Soak dried beans overnight (12+ hours)
- [ ] ⏰ Total cooking time: 2-3 hours

## Equipment

**Solveig galley:** Use pressure cooker for beans (reduces cooking time from 1.5 hours to 25 minutes).

## Instructions

### Day before
1. Soak pinto and borlotti beans in plenty of cold water overnight (at least 12 hours)

### Cooking day

**Cook beans (pressure cooker method):**
1. Drain soaked beans, rinse well
2. Add to pressure cooker with fresh water to cover by 3cm
3. Cook at high pressure for 20-25 minutes
4. Natural release 10 minutes, then quick release
5. Drain and set aside

**Make chili:**
1. In large pot on gas stove, brown ground beef over high heat, breaking into pieces. Remove and set aside.

2. In same pot, sauté onions in a little oil until soft and translucent (8-10 minutes).

3. Add garlic, cook 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Add all spices (cumin, chili, both paprikas, oregano). Toast 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

5. Return meat to pot. Add crushed tomatoes, cooked beans, bouillon cube, and 200ml water.

6. Bring to boil, then reduce to low simmer. Cook 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. If too thick, add water. If too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.

8. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped pickled peppers if desired.

## Serving suggestions

- Over rice or with crusty bread
- Topped with sour cream
- Fresh coriander if available
- Grated cheese

## Variations

> **Note:** Traditional Texas chili ("chili con carne") uses no beans at all - they're a later addition. This recipe uses beans to incorporate expired inventory items and make the dish more economical.

- **Vegetarian:** Omit beef, double the beans, add 1 diced carrot and 1 diced bell pepper
- **Hotter:** Add more `ID:chili-aladham` or use the spicy lutenitsa `ID:lyutenitsa-deroni-spicy`
- **Smokier:** Increase smoked paprika, or add a dash of liquid smoke if available

## Items used from inventory

| Item | ID | Location | Status |
|------|-----|----------|--------|
| Pinto beans | pinto-beans-usa | F-12, pantry-foodbox | EXPIRED 2024-04 |
| Borlotti beans | beans-borlotti | Loose-items-in-foodbox | EXPIRED 2025-04 |
| Chicken bouillon | bouillon-chicken-maggi | F-01, pantry-foodbox | EXPIRED 2025-05 |
| Cumin | cumin-mykouzina | F-13, pantry-foodbox | OK |
| Ground chili | chili-aladham | F-13, pantry-foodbox | OK |
| Smoked paprika | paprika-smoked-kotanyi | F-13, pantry-foodbox | bb:2026-03 |
| Sweet paprika | paprika-sweet-kania | F-13, pantry-foodbox | OK |
| Oregano | oregano-sklavenitis | F-13, pantry-foodbox | bb:2025-11 |
| Black pepper | pepper-black-harmony | F-13, pantry-foodbox | OK |
| Crushed tomatoes | tomato-marata | upper-saloon-starboard | OK |
| Pickled peppers | pickled-peppers | pantry-fridge | bb:2026-11 |

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*Generated 2026-01-07 to use expired beans from pantry-foodbox*