Sweet chili is a delightful and versatile dish that combines savoury and sweet flavours in a harmonious blend. The tender meat or protein of your choice, along with the colourful medley of bell peppers, creates a visually appealing and appetizing dish. The sauce, a fusion of sweet chili, soy sauce, and tomato paste, adds a tantalizing sweetness with a subtle hint of heat. As it simmers, the flavours meld together, creating a rich and comforting chili.
Whether served over a bed of steamed rice or enjoyed with a slice of crusty bread, each bite is a burst of delightful flavours that will leave you craving more. The garnish of fresh cilantro or green onions adds a touch of freshness and elevates the dish to new heights. Sweet chili is a perfect choice for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and savoury, and it is sure to please your taste buds with its delightful combination of flavours.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or any other protein of your choice, such as chicken, tofu, or shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide:
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Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
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Add the ground beef (or your chosen protein) to the pan, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Cook until the meat is browned and fully cooked. If using tofu or shrimp, cook until tofu is lightly browned or shrimp is cooked through.
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Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, tomato paste, brown sugar (if using), chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Pour the sauce mixture into the skillet and stir well to coat the meat and vegetables evenly. Allow it to simmer for 1-2 minutes.
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Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
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Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavours to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Taste the chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce.
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Once the chili reaches your desired consistency and flavour, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly before serving.
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Garnish the sweet chili with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions, if desired. Serve it hot with steamed rice or crusty bread.
Enjoy your homemade sweet chili! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding additional vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your taste.