PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING

Hello Forumites! However well-intentioned, for the safety of other users we ask that you refrain from seeking or offering medical advice. This includes recommendations for medicines, procedures or over-the-counter remedies. Posts or threads found to be in breach of this rule will be removed.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Chilli con Carne

Options
Can anyone tell me what is in the packets you buy from the supermarket? Is it just chilli powder?

They are BOGOF at Tesco at the moment, but I just wondered if it would still be cheaper to just make my own from scratch.

Seeing as even with the packet, you still have to use kidney beans, tomatoes, etc., I just wondered if I used mild chilli powder (how much please?) which I happen to have sitting on my spice shelf?
Pink Sproglettes born 2008 and 2010
Mortgages (End 2017) - £180,235.03
(End 2021) - £131,215.25 DID IT!!!
(End 2022) - Target £116,213.81
«13

Comments

  • I think that the powder mixes are a bit of a waste of money TBH - I use mild chilli powder and sometimes a bit of cumin powder, tomato puree, a tsp of sugar, and some mixed herbs and all the usual mince, stock and kidney beans.
    Jane

    ENDIS. Employed, no disposable income or savings!
  • pollyanna24
    pollyanna24 Posts: 4,390 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Ah, I see. I know they are a waste of money, but I don't have a wide selection of spices. I keep meaning to stock up, but then the shopping budget usually runs out!
    Pink Sproglettes born 2008 and 2010
    Mortgages (End 2017) - £180,235.03
    (End 2021) - £131,215.25 DID IT!!!
    (End 2022) - Target £116,213.81
  • Bargain_Rzl
    Bargain_Rzl Posts: 6,254 Forumite
    I make chilli from scratch using a recipe off the BBC website. It uses fresh chillies and fresh coriander, and makes a huge batch (8 substantial portions) exactly as it claims in the recipe.

    It is delicious and I'll be making one tomorrow :drool:
    :)Operation Get in Shape :)
    MURPHY'S NO MORE PIES CLUB MEMBER #124
  • shogs
    shogs Posts: 72 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    I use same sort of recipe as recovering. But Jamie Oliver also puts half a stick of cinnamon - tried this and is nice too. Personally wouldnt use packets.
  • lynzpower
    lynzpower Posts: 25,311 Forumite
    10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    My Oh used to believe in packets ( dont even get me started on the spag bol one!) but TBH, there really is no need.

    When I do chilli I fry the onions, a clove of minced garlic and a teaspoon of lazy chillis, or chilli powder. then add chopped toms & passata & beans simmer then split the sauce half for vaggie mince for me, half steak mince for OH, and job done. Im not a coriander fan, but its definately a good addition for an authentic chilli :)
    :beer: Well aint funny how its the little things in life that mean the most? Not where you live, the car you drive or the price tag on your clothes.
    Theres no dollar sign on piece of mind
    This Ive come to know...
    So if you agree have a drink with me, raise your glasses for a toast :beer:
  • pollyanna24
    pollyanna24 Posts: 4,390 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Thanks guys. I am definitely converted to not using packets, but I've never made chilli without them before.

    I make my own spag bol (which I'm quite proud of) from scratch.

    Gona look up a nice simple receipe now to get proper amounts of what to use (unless anyone here can help?)

    I always use 400g mince between two of us for everything I make out of mince.

    I'll guess with the onions, puree and mixed herbs and use one tin of toms (and 1tsp of sugar), but just wondered on other quantities, i.e. coriander, cumin, stock.
    Pink Sproglettes born 2008 and 2010
    Mortgages (End 2017) - £180,235.03
    (End 2021) - £131,215.25 DID IT!!!
    (End 2022) - Target £116,213.81
  • Bargain_Rzl
    Bargain_Rzl Posts: 6,254 Forumite
    This is the yummy recipe I use.
    :)Operation Get in Shape :)
    MURPHY'S NO MORE PIES CLUB MEMBER #124
  • For really yummy chilli, add a square of plain chocolate to melt into the sauce - it makes it just so :)

    I never even thought of using packets - does that make me sad :rotfl: I just use blended tinned toms, some chillis and chilli powder, a dash of paprika, the aformentioned chocolate, and turkey mince . Yum yum, I really fancy some now!!
  • mah_jong
    mah_jong Posts: 1,284 Forumite
    Mortgage-free Glee!
    I have never used a packet....did not know they existed! I will try the beeb version but not sure it can overtake the one I got from here for the slow cooker :D :rotfl: :rotfl:

    I know building up your spices seems expensive if you are in a supermarket BUT thats the dear way to buy them.....read the thread here earlier about buying from asian sellers. I always buy my kidney beans and tins toms in bulk on a trip to Lidl (2 trays at a time!).
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 351.1K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.2K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.6K Spending & Discounts
  • 244.1K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 599.1K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 177K Life & Family
  • 257.5K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.