Ina Garten Chili Recipe: Homage to the Contessa - Blend of Bites (2024)

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Ina Garten, aka "The Barefoot Contessa", is an author, chef, recipe developer, and culinary guru. She is famous for cooking comforting, family food with fresh ingredients and putting a contemporary twist to classic French recipes. Her words, "There's nothing like a home-cooked meal to make everyone feel happy and loved" clearly reflect her cooking style.

The Contessa is famed and loved for many dishes, including roasted lemon chicken, pasta Bolognese, French apple tart, crudités platter, and double chocolate layer cake, among many others. Ina Garten's take on one of the most comforting family foods, chili, deserves a special mention.

Our Ina Garten’s chili recipe provides a rich and flavorful chili base. You can use it with roasted chicken, beef, or pork. Going vegetarian or vegan are other options to consider. You can enrich your chili dish with your favorite vegetables and herbs.

Jump to:
  • Ingredients
  • Instructions
  • Substitutions
  • Variations
  • Equipment
  • Storage
  • Pro Tips
  • Our Ina Garten Chili Recipe
  • Comments
Ina Garten Chili Recipe: Homage to the Contessa - Blend of Bites (1)

Ingredients

1. Base

  • Olive oil — ¼ cup, extra virgin
  • Onion — 3 pcs., medium-sized, chopped into little cubes
  • Yellow bell pepper — 2 pcs., deseeded and cut into large chunks
  • Green bell pepper — 2 pcs., deseeded and sliced into large chunks
  • Red chili pepper — ½ pc., deseeded and chopped
  • Garlic — 4 cloves, minced
  • Tomato puree — 2 cans (28 ounces each) of whole peeled tomatoes
  • Ground cumin — 1 ¼ tsp.
  • Chili powder — 1 tsp.
  • Red pepper flakes — ½ tsp.
  • Cayenne pepper — ½ tsp.
  • Ground black pepper — ½ tsp.
  • Salt — 1 tsp.
  • Fresh basil — ¼ cup, very finely chopped

2. For serving

  • Fresh basil — 4 sprigs, green leaves only
  • Cheddar cheese — ½ tbsp. per serving, grated
  • Sour cream — 1 tsp. per serving

Instructions

  1. Place a large pot on the stove. Put olive oil in it and heat on a medium setting on the stove.
  1. When the oil is heated, add the chopped onions. Cook until you can no longer smell raw onion. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The onions will be slightly caramelized. Add and cook the garlic for another minute. Be careful not to overcook.
  1. Put all the chopped peppers in the pot at the same time. Add the spices and roast for about five minutes until the peppers soften.
  1. Add the pureed tomatoes, basil leaves, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. When it boils, turn the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes or until it gets a thick consistency and visibly reduces.
  1. If desired, serve it with the protein or vegetable of your choice. Garnish each serving with basil, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.

Substitutions

  • Fresh basil — Though Ina Garten is not a fan, most chili recipes use fresh cilantro. If you have it, replace basil with the same amount of cilantro leaves. The same applies to serving as well.
  • Extra virgin olive oil — You can substitute extra virgin variety with other types of olive oil.

Variations

  • Make it with less effort — If you don’t have time for the preparation process, you can take culinary shortcuts and make your chili in the easiest way possible. For this, the magic ingredients are onion flakes and garlic powder, both of which are widely accessible. The substitution amounts are; four tablespoons of onion flakes and a teaspoon of garlic powder. For the fresh peppers, you can opt for the canned varieties. Our final suggestion is to substitute pureed canned tomatoes with the same amount of canned tomato puree.

Equipment

  • Stove
  • Mixing spoon or spatula
  • Chopping board
  • Knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Large pot

Storage

  • The chili base without meat can be stored in the fridge for up to 6-7 days. If there is meat in it, it is best to consume it in two days. For refrigeration, make sure it cools to room temperature before you place it in the fridge. It is crucial to keep it in an airtight container such as a tight-lid mason jar.
  • The chili is also suitable to freeze. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months. It is best to divide and store in portions. Once defrosted, it is important to consume it right away.

Pro Tips

  • Leftover proteins, such as roasted chicken, beef, and even meatballs, work well with the chili base. Mixed with chili, the leftover protein acquires a new taste. It is best to cut the protein into big chunks before adding it to the chili pot to heat.

Ina Garten Chili Recipe: Homage to the Contessa - Blend of Bites (2)

Our Ina Garten Chili Recipe

A tasty chili base can elevate many vegetables and proteins. Follow our Ina Garten chili recipe to find out how.

5 from 179 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer

Cuisine International

Servings 6 people

Calories 31 kcal

Equipment

  • Stove

  • Mixing spoon or spatula

  • Chopping board

  • Knife

  • Measuring spoons

  • Measuring cups

  • Large pot

Ingredients

Base

  • ¼ cup olive oil extra virgin
  • 3 pcs. medium-sized onions chopped into little cubes
  • 2 pcs. yellow bell peppers deseeded and cut into large chunks
  • 2 pcs. green bell peppers deseeded and sliced into large chunks
  • ½ pcs. red chili pepper deseeded and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cans 28 ounces each of whole peeled tomatoes, tomato puree
  • 1 ¼ tsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • ½ tsp. red pepper flakes
  • ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • ¼ cup fresh basil very finely chopped

For serving

  • 4 sprigs of fresh basil green leaves only
  • ½ tbsp. grated cheddar cheese per serving
  • 1 tsp. sour cream per serving

Instructions

  • Place a large pot on the stove. Put olive oil in it and heat on a medium setting on the stove.

  • When the oil is heated, add the chopped onions. Cook until you can no longer smell raw onion. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The onions will be slightly caramelized. Add and cook the garlic for another minute. Be careful not to overcook.

  • Put all the chopped peppers in the pot at the same time. Add the spices and roast for about five minutes until the peppers soften.

  • Add the pureed tomatoes, basil leaves, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil. When it boils, turn the heat to low. Let the chili simmer for about 20 minutes or until it gets a thick consistency and visibly reduces.

  • If desired, serve it with the protein or vegetable of your choice. Garnish each serving with basil, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.

Video

Notes

  • Leftover proteins, such as roasted chicken, beef, and even meatballs, work well with the chili base. Mixed with chili, the leftover protein acquires a new taste. It is best to cut the protein into big chunks before adding it to the chili pot to heat.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Our Ina Garten Chili Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

31

% Daily Value*

Fat

2

g

3

%

Saturated Fat

1

g

6

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

0.4

g

Monounsaturated Fat

1

g

Cholesterol

2

mg

1

%

Potassium

76

mg

2

%

Carbohydrates

3

g

1

%

Fiber

1

g

4

%

Sugar

0.3

g

%

Protein

1

g

2

%

Vitamin A

647

IU

13

%

Vitamin C

2

mg

2

%

Calcium

35

mg

4

%

Iron

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Keyword Ina Garten Chili con Carne, Ina Garten Slow Cooker chili, The best chili recipe

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Ina Garten Chili Recipe: Homage to the Contessa - Blend of Bites (2024)

FAQs

Does Ina Garten have a chili recipe? ›

It's no surprise that Ina's chili recipe is a cinch to make. You start by cooking a ton of onions in a pot until translucent, then adding garlic, bell peppers, and several spices — including chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and red pepper flakes. Next, Ina has you crush canned plum tomatoes with your hands.

Why do people put baking soda in chili? ›

According to the magazine's food experimenters, the baking soda treatment will definitely keep the meat tender and juicy when cooked.

What makes homemade chili better? ›

When making chili, don't forget to load up on veggies for an added layer of flavor and texture. Some classic options include fresh garlic, bell peppers, and onions. The vegetables will add a noticeable crunch and pop of color to your recipe. Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil or parsley can also enhance the flavor.

Should I put a bay leaf in chili? ›

Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

What chili does Bobby Flay always use? ›

Calabrian chilis

There's one spicy ingredient that pops up more often than not in Bobby Flay's recipes. Calabrian chilis are the unique red chili Bobby Flay constantly uses on "Beat Bobby Flay."

Does Gordon Ramsay put beans in chili? ›

Gordon Ramsay's recipe for chili con carne includes onion, a red chili pepper, fresh tomatoes, and kidney beans. Ramsay's chili recipe is lengthy — it includes everything from ground cumin and sweet paprika to a cinnamon stick, ground beef or beef mince, and garlic.

What is the secret to really good chili? ›

Add a touch of sweetness

Chili is rich, deep and often spicy, so adding a sweet ingredient is a great way to create balanced flavor. We've found that adding diced carrots is the easiest way to add natural sweetness, but you can also use vegetables like sweet potatoes or winter squash.

What gives chili depth of flavor? ›

If you want more of a smoky flavor, add cumin, Spanish paprika, ancho chili powder, or a combination. If you are looking for more heat, add cayenne, crushed red pepper, or Hungarian paprika. If it's too spicy add a little brown sugar and some sweet paprika.

Why do you put vinegar in chili? ›

Acids enhance the salty, umami-rich flavors already present in chili, and round out the sweetness, adding intricacy to the dish. Apple cider vinegar is versatile with a light, fruity flavor, but red wine and balsamic vinegar are both good choices for heavier chilis that need something bolder.

What is the most important spice in chili? ›

If you're looking to make a chili that will please both your taste buds and your wallet, there are a few key spices you should consider. chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic are all great options for adding flavor to your chili.

Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

What liquid is best for chili? ›

Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

Cinnamon. The beauty of ground cinnamon is that it brings a warmth to your chili, without being spicy. It works well with other flavors commonly found in chili (like tomato, cumin and chile powder) so you only need a little bit to achieve the desired balance.

What kind of onions for chili? ›

Yellow Onions: These are the most versatile and widely available type of onion, and are a good choice for chili con carne. They have a slightly sweet, sharp, and tangy flavor that adds depth and complexity to the dish.

What does thyme do for chili? ›

Oregano and thyme add depth and breadth of flavor, while classic chili ingredients like crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and two kinds of beans (pinto and kidney) are used to round out this iconic stew.

How to make chili Martha Stewart? ›

Add chili powder, cocoa, and tomato paste; cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes more. Add tomatoes, broth, and cooked beef. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, partially covered, until thickened slightly, 25 to 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; serve with sour cream and chives.

What's the difference between skyline chili and regular chili? ›

There are three distinguishing features of Cincinnati-Style Chili: Seasonings & Spices: Chili powder and cumin are in here, of course, like most any chili. But what sets Cincinnati chili apart is the unique addition of cinnamon, allspice, and cloves.

What can I add to chili to make it unique? ›

5 Secret Ingredients That'll Take Your Chili to the Next Level
  1. Cocoa Powder. Chocolate might not be the first thing you think of when you're making a batch of chili but it pairs perfectly with peppers. ...
  2. Beer. Why use water or stock as your liquid when you could add beer? ...
  3. Coffee. ...
  4. Cinnamon.
Sep 12, 2021

What recipes are in make it ahead by Ina Garten? ›

More Books From Ina
  • Cranberry Martinis, 27. Jalapeño Margaritas, 26. ...
  • Bruschettas with Sautéed Chard, 61. ...
  • Cauliflower & Celery Root Soup, 54. ...
  • Caesar Salad with Blue Cheese & Bacon, 43. ...
  • Ham & Leek Empanadas, 70. ...
  • Easy Coquilles Saint Jacques, 133. ...
  • Asparagus & Prosciutto Bundles, 148. ...
  • Chocolate Cake with Mocha Frosting, 199.

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