Discover the Deliciousness of Paleo-Friendly Chili with Grass-Fed Beef
Do you follow a paleo diet and miss the heartiness of a good chili? Or maybe you’re just curious about making healthier food choices. Well, you’re in for a treat because crafting a paleo-friendly chili with grass-fed beef is not only simple but also incredibly delicious. This version of chili promises to be both nourishing and satisfying, without compromising on taste. Here’s how to whip up this comforting dish in your own kitchen.
Why Choose Grass-Fed Beef?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk briefly about why grass-fed beef is the star of this dish. Unlike conventional beef, grass-fed beef comes from cattle that eat a natural diet of grass. This not only impacts the flavor of the meat, making it richer and more complex but also boosts its nutritional profile with more omega-3 fatty acids and less fat. Plus, it’s a more eco-friendly and ethical choice, aligning perfectly with the clean eating principles of the paleo diet.
Ingredients for Your Paleo Chili
Now, onto the fun part! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs of grass-fed ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) of diced tomatoes (no added sugar)
- 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste (no added sugar)
- 2 cups beef broth (look for no added sugar versions)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional for garnish: fresh cilantro, diced avocado
Note: Ensure all canned products are compliant with paleo guidelines, meaning no added sugar or preservatives.
Let’s Make Chili!
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Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally until the beef is nicely browned. This not only adds flavor but also texture to our chili. Once done, you might want to drain excess fat if you prefer a lighter version.
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Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot, add the diced onions and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant. Then, toss in the bell peppers and carrots. Stir well and let the veggies soften a bit, absorbing all those lovely flavors.
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Spice it Up: Time to spice things up! Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and ground coriander to the pot. Stir well to ensure all the beef and veggies are nicely coated with the spices. This will give your chili that signature depth of flavor.
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Tomato Base: Now, pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juice, tomato paste, and beef broth. The liquid from the tomatoes and broth will help deglaze the pot, allowing you to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are packed with flavor, so you won’t want to miss out on them.
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Simmer: Bring the chili to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for about an hour. This slow cooking process will meld the flavors together beautifully and tenderize the beef further. If the chili appears too thick for your liking, feel free to add a bit more broth.
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Taste and Season: After simmering, give your chili a taste test. This is the perfect time to adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Remember, the flavors will have concentrated, so season cautiously.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once your chili is seasoned to your liking, it’s ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls, and if you like, garnish with fresh cilantro and diced avocado. These fresh toppings will add a burst of flavor and a creamy texture, elevating your chili experience.
Embracing the Warmth and Nutrition of Paleo Chili
Making this paleo-friendly chili with grass-fed beef is truly that simple! It’s a wonderful dish that brings comfort, nutrition, and the satisfaction of adhering to your paleo principles. Plus, it’s versatile – feel free to experiment with adding other vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste. This chili is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of good, clean eating that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation and the numerous health benefits it brings. Happy cooking!