CHILI

Spice Up Your Healthy Lifestyle with this Mouthwatering Chili Recipe

Chili, the hearty and flavorful Mexican dish, has become a beloved comfort food worldwide. Whether you’re sticking to a healthy diet or simply seeking a satisfying meal, chili is a versatile option that never fails to impress. In this blog post, I’m excited to share with you my easy and incredibly tasty chili recipe, packed with wholesome ingredients and bold flavors. Or you can serve it with pasta for family dinner. Let’s dive in!

The Health Benefits of Beans:

While traditional chili recipes often include beans, some low-carb diets such as Keto and South Beach recommend limiting bean intake due to their carbohydrate content. However, beans offer a multitude of health benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can promote digestive health, regulate blood sugar levels, and even aid in weight management by promoting feelings of fullness. For those following a low-carb lifestyle, incorporating beans in moderation can still provide these health benefits without derailing your dietary goals.

Essential Seasonings:

What sets chili apart from other dishes is its robust and aromatic seasoning blend. Two key spices that lend this recipe its signature flavor profile are chili powder and cumin.

Chili Powder: Typically made from a blend of dried chili peppers, cumin, garlic powder, and other spices, adds heat and depth to the dish. It’s rich in antioxidants and capsaicin, the compound responsible for the spicy kick. Capsaicin has been linked to various health benefits, including pain relief, improved metabolism, and heart health.
Cumin: Cumin is a warm and earthy spice that enhances the overall complexity of chili. It’s packed with antioxidants, promotes digestion, and may have anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, cumin adds a distinctive smokiness that elevates the flavor of the dish.

Now, let’s move on to the star of the show – here is the recipe.

Easy, fast, and delicious CHILI RECIPE:

Ingredients:

1 pound ground meat (chicken, beef, turkey or plant-based meat substitute) – I used chicken
1 onion, diced
3 Tbs Oil (Canola, vegetable, olive)
5 tsp of Chili seasoning*
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (14.5 ounces) tomato sauce
3 cans (15 ounces each) chili beans
1 can (15 ounce) beans (black, kidney or pinto) drained and rinsed
1 Tbs ground Cumin*
1 Tbs of Chili Powder*
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, diced onion, sour cream, avocado slices, chopped cilantro

Instructions:

Dice onion using a knife and a cutting board.

In a large pot sauté onion in oil until translucent.

Add ground meat. Brown the ground meat over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary. Separate the meat using a potato masher.

Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans.

Adding beans and tomatoes into meat and onion mixture.

Season with chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. *Adjust seasoning to taste, depending on the beans (I used chili beans in chili sauce that are mildly seasoned). There are boldly seasoned chili beans available, they will require less seasoning.
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.

Once the chili has thickened to your desired consistency, remove it from heat.
Serve hot (over pasta if desired), garnished with your favorite toppings such as oyster crackers, shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or chopped cilantro.

Conclusion:

With its bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. By incorporating beans in moderation and focusing on flavorful spices like chili powder and cumin, you can enjoy a satisfying and nutritious dish while staying true to your dietary goals. So why not spice up your meals with a comforting bowl of chili today?

Don’t be afraid to enjoy your chili with a bowl of soup, cookie, or delicious dessert as well.

Bon appétit!

Chili