As we head closer to the colder months of the year, Brits are turning up the heat in the kitchen, with Google searches for Chilli con carne jumping up by 40% in the past month, while beef chilli recipes are up 60%. Now, recipe box Gousto is adding extra spark to the nation’s favourite comfort food with an unexpected ingredient, a dash of coffee.
“Coffee might not be the first thing that comes to mind when cooking chilli,” says Sophie Nahmad, Lead Recipe Developer at Gousto. “But its roasted, earthy notes bring out the richness of the beef and spices, adding depth and balance. It’s an easy upgrade that makes a big impact.”
Why coffee?
Coffee isn’t just for getting you up in the morning anymore, and it’s quickly becoming a go-to ingredient when making marinades or sauces, and now chefs are saying it can even be added to the ever-popular chilli con carne.
“Coffee enhances savoury flavours in the same way chocolate or stout does. It deepens the umami,” Sophie explains.
“It’s a trick chefs have used for years, and now home cooks are catching on. Adding just 100ml of strong brewed coffee to your chilli gives it a slow-cooked, restaurant-quality finish.”
Ingredients:One tablespoon of olive oilOne onion, finely choppedTwo garlic cloves, minced500g minced beefOne red pepper, choppedOne tablespoon of tomato purée400g chopped tomatoes400g kidney beans, drained250ml beef stock100ml strong brewed black coffeeOne teaspoon of ground cuminOne teaspoon of smoked paprika½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)Salt and pepper, to tasteMethod
Heat the oil in a large pan, add the onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add beef and brown thoroughly. Stir in tomato purée and spice.
Pour in chopped tomatoes, chopped peppers, beans, stock and coffee. Simmer for 45–50 minutes until rich and thick. Serve with rice, lime and sour cream for a bold, balanced finish.