I LOVE ME SOME CHILI… Simple Chili with Some Beans!!
Honestly, who doesn’t love Chili!! Chili has been a staple in many cultures for centuries. You can trace its roots back to the indigenous people of the Americas, who used chili peppers in their cuisine long before the arrival of the Europeans. It is believed that chili peppers were first cultivated in Central and South America, and their use quickly spread to other parts of the world. Using Chili peppers is where the name, Chili, comes from (duh!!).
Let’s fast forward to today… and you will find that chili is a popular dish in many countries, each with their own unique take on the recipe. In the United States, chili is often made with ground beef, tomatoes, onions, and kidney beans. In Mexico, it is made with a variety of meats, vegetables, and spices. In other parts of the world, chili is made with seafood, tofu, or even chocolate. Really, chili can be made in a variety of ways, and it is, depending on your cultural influence!
Are there any health benefits about chili? Chili peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Additionally, chili peppers have been linked to lower blood pressure and improved digestion. If you put beans in chili, they are a great source of fiber and protein, making it a filling and satisfying meal. For fat loss, and muscle gain for that matter, chili can provide you with a low-carb meal that boosts your protein and fat intake! Cook with healthy fats like grass-fed butter, Tallow or oils like avocado or macadamia nut oil!!
RECIPE
Ingredients
- 5lbs of Pasture Raised or Grass-Fed Ground Beef (90/10)
- 2 brown onions
- 6 garlic cloves
- 4 dried chilis
- 2 cups filtered water
- 1 tsp Redmans Real Salt
- 1 tbsp Organic Raw Unfiltered Apple Cider Vinegar
- 1 6oz jar tomato paste
- ¼ cup bacon fat or ghee
- 1/3 cup honey
- 45oz tomato sauce
- 15oz water
- 2 15oz cans Organic Cannellini Beans, drained & rinsed
SPICE MIX
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp Redmans Real Salt
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- ½ tsp Smoked Paprika
TOPPING
- 1 red onion, diced
- 1 bunch of cilantro, chopped
- 1-2 Avocados, diced
TIME TO COOK
Chop the onions and garlic
Add 2 cups of water to a pot, bring to near boil, then add the chilis and let soak for 20 minutes… as the chilis and water cool down from really hot, add to a puree (blender) and puree it as much as possible… set aside.
Over medium heat, heat up a large sauté pan, add ½ of the bacon fat or ghee, and then add the ground beef plus ½ of the Real Salt. Cook the meat until browned, then drain the fat from the beef and set aside.
Heat up the pot over medium-low heat… use the pot you will cook the chili in… add the onions and garlic and ½ of the salt, then let saute (stir frequently) for 15 minutes or so… the onions should be near caramelizing when you are ready to add the tomato paste
Add the tomato paste to the onions and garlic, stir to combine, then add in the chili water and chili puree, stir to combine
Add the beef back in, stir to combine
Add the tomato sauce and 15oz of filtered water, stir to combine
Add the honey into the mixture and stir well to combine and spread the honey
Add the spice mixture, stir well to combine
Add a lid on top of the pot, leaving a gap on one side… turn the heat down to low, stir every 30 minutes or so, and let sit on the stove for 4-5 hours!
When done, taste test once cooled off, then add more salt if needed
To serve, add onions, cilantro and avocado on the top!
I hope you enjoy this healthy, tasty & simple recipe!! Thank you for reading!!