Savoring Comfort: Stephanie King's Chunky Chilli Recipe

A Cozy Evening with Chilli

Nothing Stephanie King enjoys more than a hot and spicy chilli. Today, she has decided to take a break from her relentless work on the Evie Clarke case in And So It Begins. It’s time to treat herself. She prepares her favorite winter chilli, made from tender chunks of beef. The deep, slow-cooked aroma fills her home, promising warmth and comfort. A long, scented bath awaits her once the chilli is done cooking.

But just as she settles in, the doorbell rings. Through the frosted glass, she sees those unmistakable wide shoulders. It's Gus Brodie. His first words upon stepping inside are, "What is that delicious smell?" Of course, he stays. Their conversation, long overdue and unrelated to work, turns out to be far more important than the bath she never got around to.

The chilli? It’s exceptional. Gus devours half of it!

The Recipe: Stephanie's Chunky Chilli

The recipe that earned such a reaction is Stephanie's Chunky Chilli. It’s exactly what it sounds like—deep, warming, and perfect for a slow afternoon in the kitchen. This dish is ideal for a cold evening on the sofa. It’s comfort food with conviction.

Ingredients

• 500g beef, cut into chunks

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, chopped

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped

• 2 cans chopped tomatoes

• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 tablespoons chilli powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• Salt and pepper to taste

  
  

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

2. Brown the Beef: Add the beef chunks and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.

3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.

4. Add Peppers: Stir in the red and green bell peppers. Cook for a few more minutes.

5. Combine Ingredients: Return the beef to the pot. Add the chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, chilli powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

6. Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for at least an hour, stirring occasionally.

7. Serve: Enjoy your chilli hot, perhaps with some crusty bread.

   
   

Enjoying the Moment

As you savor this dish, take a moment to appreciate the warmth it brings. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the memories and connections we create. Sharing a meal can be a powerful experience.

This recipe is now part of The Hungry Detective - Dinner cookbook, which features 30 recipes inspired by the DCI Tom Douglas thrillers.

Readers can now download the full PDF cookbook with an exclusive 25% discount for just £2.99.

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Final Thoughts

Cooking is a journey, and every recipe tells a story. Stephanie's Chunky Chilli is more than just a meal; it’s a moment of joy and connection. So, gather your ingredients, invite a friend, and enjoy the process. You might just create a memory that lasts a lifetime.