Introduction
Chili is a beloved classic American comfort food, often enjoyed during the colder months. Traditional chili recipes typically include high carbohydrate ingredients such as beans and pasta, which can make it less suitable for individuals following low-carb diets. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to completely give up on chili. With some tweaks and smart ingredient substitutions, we bring you a hearty and healthy Low Carb Chili recipe that will satisfy both your taste buds and nutritional goals.
Ingredients
Before diving into the process of cooking our low-carb chili, let’s list down all the necessary ingredients for this delectable dish. This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings, depending on individual portion sizes.
- 1 pound ground meat (choose leaner cuts of beef or turkey)
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil (avocado, coconut, or olive oil)
- 2 cups diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups beef broth or chicken stock (low-sodium if possible)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 cups shredded or diced low-carbohydrate vegetables (zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, and/or yellow squash)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: grated cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh parsley, avocado slices, and/or green onions
Instructions
1. In a large skillet or dutch oven over medium-high heat, add the cooking oil. Once the oil is hot, add the ground meat and cook it until browned. Drain any excess fat if needed.
2. Add the chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet and continue sautéing for a few minutes until softened.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes, beef broth or chicken stock, chili powder, dried oregano, and ground cumin. Stir everything together, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
4. Add the shredded or diced low-carbohydrate vegetables to the mixture and stir to combine. Let the chili simmer for about 30 minutes, until the flavors have melded together and the vegetables are tender.
5. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you prefer a thicker consistency, cook the chili uncovered to reduce the liquid slightly.
6. Serve your Low Carb Chili in individual bowls, garnished with any desired toppings like grated cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh parsley, avocado slices, and/or green onions. Enjoy this hearty meal that strikes a balance between taste and health consciousness.
Conclusion
Our Low Carb Chili recipe brings a nutritious twist to the classic dish while still keeping its flavorful essence. By using leaner ground meat, avoiding high-carb ingredients like beans and pasta, and adding low-carbohydrate vegetables, this chili offers an excellent alternative for those on specific diets or simply looking for a healthier option. Serve it with your favorite toppings, and share the joy of satisfying comfort food without compromising nutrition.