Why You’ll Love this Sweet Chili Recipe
When you immerse yourself in this Sweet Chili recipe, you’ll discover a delightful blend of flavors that makes it stand out. The combination of spices creates a warm, inviting aroma that fills your kitchen, making it hard to resist.
I love how the sweetness from the tomato passata and the subtle fizz from the Pepsi meld together, giving it a unique twist. Each bite bursts with tender meat and hearty beans, perfectly balanced by the spices.
It’s satisfying and comforting, whether you’re serving it on a chilly night or at a gathering with friends. You’ll appreciate how easy it’s to prepare, allowing you to enjoy the moment without stress.
Trust me, this recipe will become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients of Sweet Chili
When it comes to making Sweet Chili, the ingredients you choose play a vital role in creating that rich and hearty flavor we all crave. This recipe is a delightful mix of savory and sweet, with spices that dance together beautifully. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something comforting.
Now, let’s gather what we need to whip up this tasty dish, shall we?
Here’s what you’ll need for your Sweet Chili:
- 1 lb round steak, ground
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, minced
- 2 – 3 teaspoons chili powder (adjust based on your spice preference)
- 1 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans (don’t drain them)
- 1 (16 ounce) bottle tomato passata (or 500ml tetrapak; tomato puree can be used if passata isn’t available)
- 1 (16 ounce) can water (just use the tomato sauce can for measuring)
- 8 ounces Pepsi
- ½ cup tomato ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Broken-up tortilla chips, for serving
- Sour cream, for garnish
- Grated cheddar cheese, for garnish
- Diced onion, for garnish
Now, a few things to keep in mind while you’re shopping for these ingredients. If you can’t find tomato passata, don’t sweat it—substituting with tomato puree works just fine.
And hey, if you’re not a fan of kidney beans, you can switch it up with black beans or pinto beans instead. Just keep the flavors in mind.
Oh, and don’t forget about the Pepsi; it adds that unexpected sweetness and depth that really makes this chili pop. It may sound unusual, but trust me, it’s a game changer.
Happy cooking!
How to Make Sweet Chili
Alright, let’s plunge into the delicious world of Sweet Chili. First things first, grab your 1 lb of ground round steak. You’ll want to brown this in a Dutch oven or a heavy pot over medium-high heat. And don’t stress if it sticks a little at first; that’s just the meat getting cozy. As it cooks, it’ll release its juices and, trust me, it’ll unstick itself.
If you notice any grease pooling after browning—nobody wants a greasy chili—just drain it in a colander and toss it back into the pot.
Now that you’ve got your meat all nice and browned, it’s time to bring in the flavor crew. Toss in 1 medium minced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 minced green bell pepper. Stir those in and let them hang out with the meat for a bit; they’ll soften up and get all flavorful.
Next, it’s spice time! Add in 2 to 3 teaspoons of chili powder (go for the higher end if you’re feeling bold), 1 ½ teaspoons of cumin, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of cocoa powder (yes, cocoa), and a sprinkle of the rest: 1 teaspoon of celery seed, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves. Don’t forget to toss in the bay leaf too. Stir everything together like you’re mixing magic potions.
Now for the pièce de résistance: the beans and sauces. Add in 3 cans of kidney beans without draining them (that liquid is flavor gold), then pour in 1 bottle of tomato passata and 1 can of water—just use the empty tomato passata can for measuring.
Next, let’s sweeten the pot with 8 ounces of Pepsi and ½ cup of tomato ketchup. Yes, I said Pepsi; it’s not just for sipping. Finish it off with 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste.
Bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover it, and let it bubble away for about 1 to 1½ hours. If it gets too thick, just dribble in a bit of boiling water. Before serving, fish out that bay leaf—it’s not meant to be eaten.
Serve up your Sweet Chili with broken tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, grated cheddar cheese, and diced onions on top. Enjoy the warmth and the cozy vibes. You’ve totally earned it!
Sweet Chili Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up a bit, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try with your Sweet Chili.
For instance, swap round steak for ground turkey or even lentils if you’re going vegetarian. You can also play with the beans—black beans or pinto beans work great too.
If you want an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or switch out the chili powder for chipotle.
Don’t have tomato passata? Tomato puree will do just fine.
Feel free to experiment with different spices—smoked paprika or even a hint of nutmeg can elevate the flavor.
Finally, if you want a sweeter touch, consider adding a bit of brown sugar or honey for balance.
Enjoy your culinary adventure!
What to Serve with Sweet Chili
To enhance your Sweet Chili experience, consider pairing it with a variety of delicious side dishes that complement its bold flavors.
I love serving my Sweet Chili alongside crispy tortilla chips for that satisfying crunch. A dollop of sour cream balances the heat perfectly, while grated cheddar cheese adds a creamy richness. Fresh diced onions can give it a nice bite, too.
If you want something lighter, a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette works wonders. For a heartier option, cornbread is a classic choice, soaking up all that flavorful chili goodness.
Finally, don’t forget a cold drink—Pepsi or any invigorating beverage will tie everything together beautifully. Enjoy your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
Pairing your Sweet Chili with the right sides can elevate the entire meal experience.
I recommend serving it with crunchy tortilla chips for added texture, and don’t skip the sour cream—it adds a creamy contrast that balances the heat. Grated cheddar cheese complements the flavors perfectly, melting beautifully over the chili.
If you want to spice things up, consider topping with diced jalapeños or fresh cilantro. For those who like a bit of sweetness, a side of cornbread can be a delightful addition.
Finally, don’t forget to adjust the spices in the chili to suit your taste; everyone’s palate is different. Enjoy experimenting, and make this recipe your own!