Chili con carne, meaning "chili with meat" and commonly known as simply "chili", is a spicy stew containing chili peppers, meat (usually beef), and often tomatoes and beans. It is one of the best dishes to serve to friends for a casual get-together.
Chop the onion into small dice, about 5mm square.Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves.Cut the hot chili peppers in half lengthways, remove stalk and wash the seeds away, then chop.
In a large pan, add the oil and leave it for 2 minutes over a medium heat.Add the onions and minced garlic and cook, stirring fairly frequently, for about 5 minutes, or until they're soft and translucent.Add the hot chili peppers and the flour, then cook it for another 1-2 minutes.Add the spices: hot chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt.Give it a good stir, then leave it to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Turn up the heat up, add the meat to the pot and break it up with a spatula.Keep stirring and prodding for at least 5 minutes, until all the mince is in uniform and there are no more pink bits.Make sure you keep the heat hot enough for the meat to fry and become brown, rather than just stew.
Add the chopped tomatoes, the tomato paste, the bay leaf and stir the sauce well.Add the red kidney beans and corns to the chili pot.Add the water then brings it to aboil, and gently bubble without the lid for 2-3 minutes.Place the lid, reduce the heat and let it cook for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture is rich and thickened.Taste a bit of the chilli and season. It will probably take a lot more seasoning than you think. Now replace the lid, turn off the heat and leave your chilli to stand for 10 minutes before serving, and relax. Leaving your chilli to stand is really important as it allows the flavours to mingle and the meat.
Sprinkle with freshly chopped cilantro leaves, garnish with lime wedges and serve.