The Chilli Bowl – The Ultimate Comfort Dinner

The Chilli Bowl – The Ultimate Comfort Dinner

Fast, warming, packed with goodness and easy to customise for every eater at the table. This is my go-to for a feel-good weeknight meal — and the final dish in my Good Food to Boost Your Mood series. Let’s learn how to make it.

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 1 onion, diced

• 1 carrot, diced

• 3 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

• 1 can chopped tomatoes

• 1 can mixed beans (juice and all!)

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 2 tsp chipotle chillies in adobo sauce

• Olive oil, for cooking

For the Toppings (Mix & Match!):

• Fried egg

• Diced seared steak

• Ripe avocado, sliced

• Grated cheese

• Sour cream

• Tomato & coriander salsa

• Tortilla chips or rice (optional)

Method

1. Prep & Sauté

• Dice your onion, carrot, and garlic.

• Heat a splash of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.

• Add the chopped veg and gently sauté for about 5 minutes, until soft and fragrant.

2. Add the Spice

• Stir in the cinnamon, cumin, and chipotle in adobo.

• Cook for 2–3 minutes, letting the spices wake up and fill your kitchen with warmth.

3. Build the Stew

• Add your can of tomatoes, stir, and cook down for a few minutes to intensify the flavour.

• Tip in the mixed beans, including all the liquid — this adds flavour and body.

• Let the chilli simmer on low until it thickens to a stew-like consistency. This only takes about 10–15 minutes.

4. Serve & Top It Your Way

Ladle the hot chilli into bowls and let everyone customise their own. My go-to combo is:

• A crispy fried egg on top

• A few slices of avocado

• Some juicy diced steak

• A spoonful of sour cream

• Handful of grated cheese

• Tomato and coriander salsa to finish

🌶️ Packed with protein from the beans, and even more from the egg and steak — it’s a hug in a bowl.

This dinner is so easy, so nourishing, and guaranteed to lift your spirits.
It’s comfort food that loves you back.

Enjoy – Del x 🍲✨