Rustic Coriander Oregano Chili

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Step into the world of timeless, rustic cooking with my classic, country-style chili recipe. Coarsely ground spices and slow simmering create this unpretentious, delicious bowl of chili.

For complex herbal and citrus notes, oregano brings earthy flavors with hints of citrus, while coarsely ground coriander adds brightness and warm spice. Together, they create a unique herbal-citrus profile that elevates your chili.

Farmhouse Basics: How to Create a Rustic Chili

The art of creating rustic dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort allows us to rediscover the timeless joy of home-cooked meals. Let’s explore some tips to help create a rustic chili with authenticity.

farmhouse herbs for rustic chili

  • Coarsely Ground Spices: Use coarsely ground coriander seeds that you grind yourself to add depth and rustic charm.
  • Long Simmering Time: Let the chili simmer for an extended period, allowing flavors to meld and develop slowly, creating a traditional, slow-cooked taste.
  • Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or scallion just before serving for a burst of freshness that contrasts with the hearty chili.
  • No Frills Presentation: Serve the chili in simple bowls without elaborate garnishes or fancy plating, emphasizing the down-to-earth and comforting nature of the dish.
  • Cornbread: Accompany the chili with homemade cornbread or homestyle crusty bread for a hearty, old-fashioned meal.

Elevating Chili with Coarsely Ground Coriander

The rustic charm of this chili recipe hinges on the coarsely ground coriander seeds.

coarsely grind coriander for chili with a rustic charm

Here’s why this is a must-have:

  1. Robust Flavor: Coarsely ground coriander adds a bold, aromatic flavor to chili. Its coarse texture releases citrusy notes gradually during cooking, enhancing the savory base of ground beef and beans while enriching the overall spice profile.
  2. Texture Contrast: The coarse texture of coriander seeds contributes a subtle crunch to the chili. These bursts of flavor add depth and elevate the dish’s heartiness, making it a delightful comfort food.
  3. Heat Balance: Coriander’s mild, sweet profile balances the heat from chili powder and spicy peppers, ensuring a well-rounded and harmonious taste.
  4. Aromatic Synergy: Coriander’s unique aroma blends well with other chili ingredients, enhancing earthy, sweet, and smoky notes.
  5. Authentic Touch: Incorporating coarsely ground coriander brings authenticity to your chili, honoring the culinary traditions from various global cuisines where this spice is a staple.

Transform Chili with Earthy and Citrus Herbs

Let’s explore how the incorporation of specific herbs not only adds depth to the taste but also beautifully balances the spiciness, creating a culinary masterpiece that stands out from traditional chili recipes.

Coarsely ground coriander, oregano, and bay leaves: herbs for rustic chili

  • Complex herbal and citrus notes: Oregano contributes a robust, earthy flavor with hints of mint and citrus. Coarsely ground coriander adds a bright and citrusy note with warm spice. Together, these two herbs create a complex and layered herbal-citrus flavor profile that sets your chili apart from traditional recipes.
  • Balanced spiciness: While chili powder or other spicy elements typically provide heat in chili, adding oregano and coriander can help balance the spiciness. Coriander’s mild, cooling effect can complement the heat, while oregano’s earthiness adds depth to the overall flavor, making the chili more well-rounded.
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Rustic Coriander Oregano Chili

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In the heart of every kitchen, there lies a cherished secret—the art of creating rustic dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and comfort.

  • Author: Bob Lee
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 1/2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 12 cups 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 2 medium yellow onions, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, chopped
  • 1 serrano pepper, chopped
  • 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz can of pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 12 oz bottle of beer (use a flavorful beer, like a stout or an amber ale)
  • 34 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1.5 teaspoon coarsely ground coriander
  • 2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Scallions, chopped (for garnish)
  • Shredded cheese (for garnish)
  • Sour cream (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a frying pan over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  2. Halfway through cooking the ground beef, add one of the chopped onions, stirring regularly until the ground beef is fully browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
  3. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add both cans of drained and rinsed beans, the diced tomatoes (with their juices), the browned ground beef, remaining onions, peppers, 2 cups of water, half the beer for depth of flavor, and bring it all to a simmer.
  4. Once the chili is simmering, add the garlic and the remaining non-garnish herbs and spices (coriander, oregano, bay leaves, chili powder, paprika, and crushed pepper flakes). Salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally. The longer you simmer, the better the flavors will meld together.
  6. Remove the lid and discard the bay leaves. 
  7. Stir in the rest of the beer and simmer on low uncovered for 30-40 minutes to thicken. If the chili gets too thick, add a bit of water or more beer to reach your desired consistency.
  8. Serve the chili in bowls, garnishing each serving with shredded cheese, chopped scallions, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

Enjoy your rustic coriander oregano chili with a side of crusty bread or cornbread for a hearty and comforting meal! Tortilla chips or crackers will also work in a pinch.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 2.3g
  • Sodium: 1480mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.8g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 5.7g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 79mg

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Last Updated on 19 December 2023 by Bob Lee

About Bob Lee

Bob Lee is a gardening and culinary arts enthusiast currently residing in Minnesota's northern climate. He shares his 25+ years of experience on HerbGardenCooking.com where he combines practical gardening know-how with inventive cooking techniques.

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