Chilli con carne, a spicy stew originating from the southern United States, has become a staple in many cuisines around the world. This flavorful dish is made with ground meat, usually beef, and a blend of spices, tomatoes, and beans. While it can be enjoyed on its own, serving it with the right accompaniments can elevate the overall dining experience. In this article, we will explore the best things to have with chilli con carne, from classic combinations to innovative pairings.
Traditional Pairings
When it comes to traditional pairings, there are a few options that stand out as the most popular.
Rice
Rice is a classic pairing for chilli con carne, and for good reason. The mild flavor and fluffy texture of rice help to balance out the bold, spicy flavors of the chilli. Whether you prefer white or brown rice, it’s a simple yet effective way to round out the meal.
Cornbread
Cornbread is another popular pairing for chilli con carne, particularly in the southern United States. The crumbly texture and slightly sweet flavor of cornbread complement the hearty, savory flavors of the chilli. You can serve it on the side or even use it to make a chilli con carne sandwich.
International Inspirations
While traditional pairings are delicious, you may want to consider exploring international inspirations to add some excitement to your chilli con carne.
Tortillas (Mexican-Style)
In Mexico, chilli con carne is often served with tortillas, which are used to scoop up the flavorful stew. You can serve warm flour or corn tortillas on the side, or even use them to make chilli con carne tacos.
Naan Bread (Indian-Style)
Naan bread, a type of Indian flatbread, pairs surprisingly well with chilli con carne. The slightly leavened bread helps to soak up the flavorful sauce, while the mild flavor won’t overpower the dish.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
If you’re looking for vegetarian or vegan options to serve with chilli con carne, there are plenty of delicious choices.
Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes, make a tasty and healthy side dish that complements the flavors of chilli con carne. Simply toss the vegetables in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast in the oven until tender.
Grilled Portobello Mushrooms
Grilled portobello mushrooms are a great vegan option to serve with chilli con carne. The meaty texture and earthy flavor of the mushrooms pair well with the bold flavors of the chilli.
Desserts
While chilli con carne is often served as a main course, it’s also delicious as a dessert. Yes, you read that right – dessert!
Pecan Pie
Pecan pie, a classic southern dessert, pairs surprisingly well with the spicy flavors of chilli con carne. The rich, nutty flavor of the pecans and the sweetness of the sugar help to balance out the heat.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Vanilla ice cream is another great option to serve as a dessert with chilli con carne. The creamy texture and mild flavor help to cool down the palate after the spicy chilli.
Beverages
Finally, let’s not forget about beverages. Here are a few options that pair well with chilli con carne.
Cold Beer
A cold beer is a classic pairing for chilli con carne. The bitterness of the beer helps to cut through the richness of the dish, while the carbonation helps to cleanse the palate.
Iced Tea
Iced tea, sweetened or unsweetened, is another great option to serve with chilli con carne. The refreshing flavor helps to cool down the palate, while the caffeine provides a nice boost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are many delicious options to serve with chilli con carne, from traditional pairings like rice and cornbread to international inspirations like tortillas and naan bread. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian and vegan options or desserts and beverages, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re cooking up a pot of chilli con carne, be sure to try out some of these options to elevate the overall dining experience.
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Rice | A classic pairing that helps to balance out the bold flavors of the chilli. |
| Cornbread | A popular pairing in the southern United States that complements the hearty flavors of the chilli. |
| Tortillas | A Mexican-inspired pairing that adds a fun twist to the traditional dish. |
| Naan Bread | An Indian-inspired pairing that helps to soak up the flavorful sauce. |
| Roasted Vegetables | A healthy and delicious vegetarian option that complements the flavors of the chilli. |
| Grilled Portobello Mushrooms | A great vegan option that pairs well with the bold flavors of the chilli. |
| Pecan Pie | A classic southern dessert that pairs surprisingly well with the spicy flavors of the chilli. |
| Vanilla Ice Cream | A creamy and refreshing dessert option that helps to cool down the palate. |
| Cold Beer | A classic pairing that helps to cut through the richness of the dish. |
| Iced Tea | A refreshing beverage option that helps to cool down the palate. |
By considering these options, you can create a well-rounded and delicious meal that will satisfy your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
What is the best side dish to serve with Chilli Con Carne?
The best side dish to serve with Chilli Con Carne is often a matter of personal preference. However, some popular options include rice, cornbread, and salad. Rice is a classic pairing that helps to soak up the flavorful sauce of the chilli, while cornbread adds a nice texture and a touch of sweetness. A simple green salad can also provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy chilli.
If you want to offer something a bit more substantial, you could consider serving the chilli with some crusty bread or over baked potatoes. The bread can be used to mop up the sauce, while the potatoes provide a filling and satisfying base for the dish. Alternatively, you could try serving the chilli with some roasted vegetables, such as carrots or broccoli, for a healthier and more balanced meal.
Can I serve Chilli Con Carne with pasta?
Yes, you can definitely serve Chilli Con Carne with pasta. In fact, this is a popular way to enjoy the dish in some parts of the world. The key is to choose a type of pasta that will hold onto the sauce well, such as penne or rigatoni. You could also try serving the chilli with macaroni or spaghetti, although these may not hold onto the sauce as well.
When serving Chilli Con Carne with pasta, it’s a good idea to add some grated cheese on top, such as cheddar or parmesan. This will help to bind the dish together and add an extra burst of flavor. You could also try adding some diced onions or bell peppers to the pasta for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the amount of chilli accordingly, as the pasta will help to soak up some of the sauce.
What are some good toppings for Chilli Con Carne?
There are many great toppings you can use to customize your Chilli Con Carne. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions. The cheese can be melted into the chilli for an extra burst of flavor, while the sour cream can help to cool down the heat. Diced onions can add a nice crunch and a bit of sweetness to the dish.
Other toppings you might consider include diced bell peppers, sliced jalapenos, and crushed tortilla chips. The bell peppers can add a bit of sweetness and crunch, while the jalapenos can add an extra kick of heat. The tortilla chips can provide a nice textural contrast to the soft chilli. You could also try using some fresh cilantro or scallions to add a bit of freshness to the dish.
Can I serve Chilli Con Carne at a barbecue or outdoor gathering?
Chilli Con Carne is a great dish to serve at a barbecue or outdoor gathering. It’s easy to make in large quantities and can be served from a big pot or slow cooker. This makes it perfect for feeding a crowd. You can also customize the dish with a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions.
When serving Chilli Con Carne at a barbecue or outdoor gathering, it’s a good idea to have plenty of crusty bread or crackers on hand. These can be used to mop up the sauce and provide a bit of texture contrast to the dish. You could also try serving the chilli with some roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a bit of freshness and balance.
How can I make Chilli Con Carne more substantial?
If you want to make Chilli Con Carne more substantial, there are several things you can try. One option is to add some extra protein, such as diced chicken or ground turkey. This will help to make the dish more filling and satisfying. You could also try adding some extra vegetables, such as diced carrots or potatoes.
Another option is to serve the chilli over rice or with some crusty bread. The rice will help to soak up the sauce and provide a bit of extra carbohydrates, while the bread can be used to mop up the sauce and provide a bit of texture contrast. You could also try serving the chilli with some roasted vegetables or a simple green salad for a bit of freshness and balance.
Can I serve Chilli Con Carne as a main course?
Yes, Chilli Con Carne can definitely be served as a main course. In fact, this is a popular way to enjoy the dish in many parts of the world. The key is to make sure the chilli is substantial enough to fill your guests up. You can do this by adding some extra protein, such as diced chicken or ground turkey, or by serving the chilli with some crusty bread or over rice.
When serving Chilli Con Carne as a main course, it’s a good idea to offer a variety of toppings and sides. This will help to customize the dish and provide a bit of extra flavor and texture. Some popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions, while popular sides include roasted vegetables, salad, and crusty bread.
How can I make Chilli Con Carne more kid-friendly?
If you want to make Chilli Con Carne more kid-friendly, there are several things you can try. One option is to reduce the heat of the dish by using milder peppers or omitting the seeds and membranes. You could also try adding some extra ingredients that kids tend to like, such as diced tomatoes or beans.
Another option is to serve the chilli with some crusty bread or over rice. This will help to make the dish more familiar and comforting for kids. You could also try offering a variety of toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions. This will help to customize the dish and make it more fun for kids to eat.