#1 Chili

People get very competitive about their culinary delights. Above all, I would consider chili a dish open to much debate. In the past, my chili has been very heavy on the beans and tomatoes and lighter on the meat (generally, I used 93% lean ground beef). Recently, however, I have had a change of heart and admitted chili recipe defeat.

During this (pathetic) college football season, our friends treated us to their version of chili, and man...it is GOOD! I would consider this chili VERY hearty and "manly", in the stereotypical sense of the term: meaty. The meat, however, is very lean and not red meat, but rather, 98% lean ground turkey and lean boneless, skinless chicken breasts.

In hopes of having a decent Illini game to watch this weekend (so far, status quo), I made the chili last night. While it's rather laborious, it is totally worth it! I am yet to calculate the nutrition information, but it is extremely low in fat and high in protein. I do have a feeling that it's somewhat high in sodium, however. 

So, here's how it goes...

"Josh and Tiffany's Chili"

Main Batch

2 Tbsp olive oil

1 lb ground turkey, lean

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, chunked

14 ounces low-sodium beef broth

8 ounces tomato sauce

1 large green pepper, diced

1/2 large sweet onion, diced

Batch One

1 Tbsp onion powder

2 Tbsp garlic powder

1 jalapeno, diced

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 chicken bouillon cubes

2 beef bouillon cubes

1 can kidney beans, drained

Batch Two

5 Tbsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tsp ground cumin

1/4 tsp brown sugar

Batch Three

1/8 tsp cayenne pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

2 tsp chili powder

1 1/2 tsp ground cumin

In a large heavy bottom pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat, pepper, and onion and cook until meat is browned. Drain off drippings. Add the rest of the main batch and simmer for 1 hour. Add all of the ingredients from Batch One, stir and simmer for 35 minutes. Add Batch Two to the pot and cook for an additional 20 minutes, stirring often. Add Batch Three and cook for 10 more minutes before serving.

Diabetic diet yesterday went like this...

Breakfast:

1 cup mini shredded wheat (3 carbs)

1 cup skim milk (1 carb)

stevia (0 carbs)

     Total: 4 carbs

Lunch:

2 cups homemade chicken noodle soup (1 carb)

6 wheat crackers (1 carb)

1/2 pomegranate (1 carb)

1 small banana (1 carb)

     Total: 4 carbs

Dinner:

1 serving Frito Twists (1 carb)

1 1/2 cups Josh and Tiffany's Chili (1 carb)

2/3 cup Greek yogurt (1 carb)

     Total: 3 carbs

Snack:

1 small apple (1 carb)

1 Tbsp peanut butter (0 carbs)

Question: How would you describe your favorite chili dish? Beany? Meaty? Salty? Spicy? Loaded with vegetables? Beefy? Vegetarian?

Off for a bowl...have a great Saturday!!