What makes a good chilli?

[Ignis Fatuus]

Just buy a recipe mix or a jar of sauce and just add mince... unless you think you can do better yourself...?

Reckon I could do better myself.

Ingredients (http://www.mysupermarket.co.uk/Shopp...px?Query=chili)

Tesco Chilli Hot Sauce
Tomato Puree (40%), Chopped Tomatoes (15%), Water, Red Kidney Beans (9%), Red and Green Pepper (6%), Onion, Sugar, Modified Maize Starch, Kibbled Onion, Spices, Salt, Barley Malt Vinegar, Colours (Chilli Extract, Plain Caramel), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Ground Bay Leaf, Oregano.

Uncle Ben's Chilli Con Carne Sauce Medium (500g)
Tomatoes (58%), Water, Red Kidney Beans (11%), Peppers (7%), Sugar, Modified Maize Starch, Onions, Bouillon (Milk, Celery), Spices, Lactic Acid, Parsley, Coriander, Salt, Onion Powder, Cocoa Powder, Herbs.

Casa Mexico Chilli Sauce
Tomato Puree (53%), Water, Red Kidney Beans (9%), Tomato (9%), Sugar, Modified Maize Starch, Red Pepper, Salt, Dried Onion, Paprika, Acidity Regulators (Malic Acid, Lactic Acid, Potassium Carbonate), Cumin, Garlic Powder, Chilli Powder, Reduced Fat Cocoa Powder, Nutmeg, Chilli, Oregano, Thyme, Cumin Seeds, Garlic.

[Alf W]

When I was a student I also found that letting it 'mature' at room temperature in the original cooking pan for about 5 days gradually enhanced the flavour each time it was reheated and cooled.

[GreenLabel]

All the fat will sit on top which you can then scrape off and throw away.

Why on Earth would you want to do that??

[DaveB]

When I was a student I also found that letting it 'mature' at room temperature in the original cooking pan for about 5 days gradually enhanced the flavour each time it was reheated and cooled.

Anything with spices in it gets better over the following days after it has been cooked. Works for stews and casseroles as well.

[norrahe]

Anything with spices in it gets better over the following days after it has been cooked. Works for stews and casseroles as well.

Quite agree, I always make stews etc... the day before I need them.

[suityou01]

I just add cumin and fresh chillies to mine. I do like to cook it for several hours and serve with guacamole, sour cream, grated cheese and salsa.

Guacamole is an interesting idea. Once I was working in Knutsford and the chap I was renting a room from cooked a chilli one night. He served it with greek style yoghurt as the local shop had no sour cream. It still worked ok.

Grated cheese - check.

[Ignis Fatuus]

Anything with spices in it gets better over the following days after it has been cooked. Works for stews and casseroles as well.

And curries, even in the freezer they get better (but never keep rice that has been cooked).

[norrahe]

Guacamole is an interesting idea. Once I was working in Knutsford and the chap I was renting a room from cooked a chilli one night. He served it with greek style yoghurt as the local shop had no sour cream. It still worked ok.

Grated cheese - check.

Avocado, garlic, lemon juice and tobasco, salt and pepper to taste. Simples!

[DaveB]

Avocado, garlic, lemon juice and tobasco, salt and pepper to taste. Simples!

Can mix in some sour cream as well.

[chef]

what makes a belting chilli?

the ability to mine without it collapsing?