Peggy’s Texas Chili

By Kirsten Maxwell March 31, 2023 39 mins read 122 Views

How about a bowl of hearty Texas Chili (the dish is spelled this way) this week for lunch to wrap up our American foods celebration. Doesn’t get more American in wintertime than a good bowl of hearty chili! Many will tell you this is not American food, but I beg to differ. You see chile sauce is actually Mexican in origin. But traditionally they do not put anything but cumin, chiles and garlic in chile sauce….no meat. It is merely a sauce for topping meat-filled burritos and enchiladas in Mexico. Food historians think the addition of meat and evolution of Texas chili came about when Mexican vaqueros (horsemen and cattle drivers) way back in Texas’ history, were hired to herd cattle and also to cook on those long cattle drives up to Kansas, Nebraska and the Dakotas.

I’ve read recipes that call for stale coffee, Mexican oregano, and even chocolate! In my elementary school in Alabama, they put a scoop of white rice on top of the chili they served. THAT is most DEFINITELY sacrilege. I always scooped it off mine the year we lived there.

Although those other items I mentioned are often included at chili cookoff recipes, I am inclined to think only the stale coffee is accurate for what was eaten on cattle drives.

One tends to cook as you ate as a child, so these Mexican cooks surely knew how to make a simple chile sauce, having watched their mothers and grandmothers preparing it. There was certainly plenty of beef and stale coffee available on cattle drives, so the transition to the American ‘variation on a theme’, adding meat, was only natural over time. Truth be told, we may never solve the ongoing argument in Texas as to whether chili should or should not have beans, but what I DO know is one of my readers several years back took the time to chime in with a comment (see below). His grandfather was a part of those cattle drives and came back telling stories of eating chili with beans, tomatoes, too, if they had any. I’m sticking with his story.

I suspect they used canned small red beans, but don’t really know what kind of beans were canned in the 19th century when most of the cattle drives took place. Right or wrong, I personally include beans to “tame” the heat of the chile peppers in it. Many of my readers know well I don’t like food that is too spicy, nor does my body. My entire family, 3 generations now, always included a small amount of beans into the chili pot. But it’s clear to say, people are dead set on their chili preferences. I guess it’s another example of “You do you; I’ll do me”. For certain, I’ve never had a Texan back away from a bowl of my chili, so there you have it, as the Brits say. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised if you try my chili recipe.

Chili has to simmer quite awhile for the flavors to blend, so I make big batches and freeze the leftovers for future quick meals. This recipe makes 8 large adult-size bowls or 16 small one cup servings for children. The nutritional info is calculated with the can of Eden black soy beans, making the recipe as written unacceptable for Induction. If you omit the beans, this chili recipe is perfectly suitable to enjoy during Atkins Phase 1 Induction!

I use several different chile peppers in this recipe, but each has a distinctive flavor they bring to the final bowl of flavor. Anchos and guajillos are extremely mild as a general rule of thumb; the serrano and Chimayo are hotter. Of course, you can change up the peppers called for (maybe hatch or ghost peppers?), if you can’t get some called for, but in doing so, you will definitely change the final flavor and most assuredly the ‘heat’ factor of your chili over mine as written. Below left dried ancho chilis are shown if you’re not familiar. Guajillos shown below right. Most grocery stores have them dried in the produce aisle of your store or on a special rack in the Mexican food aisle.

INGREDIENTS:

3 lb. ground beef

4 oz. onion, chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

2 4 oz. cans chopped green chiles (mild)

1 10 oz. can Rotel tomatoes with green chiles (mild, or original)

1 14.5 oz. can diced or crushed tomatoes, preferably no-salt

3 c. water

1 T. ordinary chili powder (I use 50:50 Bolners Fiesta & Chimayo blends)

½ tsp. ancho chili powder (or ¼ dried ancho pepper, seeded, chopped)
Peggy’s Texas Chili

2 tsp. ground cumin (more if you’re a fan)

1 dried Guajillo chile pepper, seeded and chopped

1 tiny Serrano pepper, seeded and chopped (or Jalapeno)

2 tomatillos, skin removed and chopped

1 c. cilantro, chopped (optional)

14.5 oz. can black soy beans (I use Eden brand)

2 T. tomato paste

DIRECTIONS: Over medium-high heat, brown meat and onion in large stew pot. When done, add all remaining ingredients but the tomato paste and beans. After the chili comes to a low boil, scrape bottom of pot, reduce fire to lowest heat possible, cover tightly and simmer for 1-2 hours (the longer the better, so the tomatoes literally cook apart into the liquid). Stir often during the 2-hours of cooking to avoid scorching on the bottom of the pan. Waiting to add beans the last 30 minutes of cooking will reduce this scorching tendency from the starch breaking down in the liquid if overcooked. Add a little water throughout cooking, if needed, but only if mixture gets too thick to stir or is scorching too fast on the bottom of the pot. When done, dip up and garnish with a sprinkle of Chedder cheese (optional) and cilantro (if you’re a fan) on top for garnish.

NUTRITIONAL INFO: Makes 8 large 2-cup adult servings (or 16 one-cup servings). Each adult-size 2-cup bowl contains: (numbers calculated using the Eden soy black beans beans). A 1-cup child portion has half this amount.

540 calories, 32 g fat, 10.6 g carbs, 4.73 g fiber, 5.87 g NET CARBS (less without the beans), 49.5 g protein, 935 mg sodium

By: Peggy
Title: Peggy’s Texas Chili
Sourced From: buttoni.wordpress.com/2023/03/31/peggys-texas-chili-2/
Published Date: Fri, 31 Mar 2023 12:48:39 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is keto right in your situation?

It is essential to do your research and ask the hard questions so you can determine what is right for you. This is why the keto diet is so popular and has been for so many years. It is widely believed to provide health benefits beyond just weight loss.

Ask yourself, what are my health goals? Do I want to lose weight, improve mental clarity or balance my gut microbiome? While no one-size-fits-all method exists, keto can be a great place to start if done conscientiously.

Keto focuses on reducing carbohydrate intake. The ideal amount is 20 grams per day. This forces our bodies into a biochemical process known as nutritional Ketosis. Our bodies use fat as an energy source, instead of sugar and glucose. It may be difficult initially to adhere to this strict carb limit, but you will eventually get used to it.

A ketogenic diet can have beneficial metabolic effects on your body, regardless of whether you are looking for changes in your body composition or improvements in your internal health. As long as you keep a strong nutritional quality and eat certain healthy fats like Omega 3 fatty acids, avocados, and nuts, you will see benefits.

Keto can be sustainably balanced with adequate nutrient intake. For maximum benefits, ensure that you only eat real whole foods. Don't underestimate the value of portions. If done correctly, keto could be very beneficial for your individual needs, so take the time to learn more about it through reliable sources before taking any big steps forwards (or backward).

What is the best lazy keto diet for beginners to follow?

It can be daunting to begin your keto journey. It's easy to become overwhelmed by all the books, websites, and nutrition advice out there. That's where the "lazy keto diet" comes in.

A lazy keto diet does not require you to track every macronutrient. Instead, it focuses on reducing your net carbohydrate intake to between 25-50 grams per day to reach and maintain ketosis. Because you don't need to monitor your macronutrients or caloric intake, this approach is much more flexible than traditional keto diets.

You can basically eat a lazy ketogenic lifestyle, which means you don't need to track macros. Instead, you choose whole low-carb foods such as meats, eggs dairy products, nuts and seeds. However, starchy carbohydrates and added sugars are not allowed.

This is the perfect way to transition to low-carb living, without having your meals sacrificed or depriving yourself of important nutrients. Lazy Keto is great for those starting on their health journeys who have little time or knowledge about keto nutrition plans or if you need a break from counting macros each day yet still want to reach your weight loss goals.

Can you eat oatmeal on keto?

Unanswered issues can make it difficult to find the right answers. Many feel lost or overwhelmed when it involves finding the right food choices to support the keto diet. Especially with items like oatmeal, which is full of carbs.

Oatmeal can, contrary to popular belief, be successfully integrated into a keto diet if you have the right circumstances. It all depends upon what kind of oatmeal you purchase and how often you eat.

The first step in finding a "keto-approved" form of oatmeal is to study the ingredients. Pure oats are high in fibre, protein and vitamins. They also comply with the keto rules.

It's important to monitor your portions when you add oats to the daily menu. You don't need to run a marathon, or eat too many overnight meals. Instead, you can exercise self-control and limit your portions while maximising flavour with innovative ingredients like coconut milk, cinnamon powder, and chia seeds.

If you follow the correct steps, oatmeal can serve as an alternative breakfast option to Keto. So don't let anyone tell you that sticking to your principles means sacrificing taste - because proper prepping spells out some serious results!

What is a ketogenic example meal?

It's never been easier to eat a ketogenic diet. You can think of it as healthy eating but with a special twist. One twist is to eliminate processed carbs and replace them by high-quality oils and fats.

This diet has many health benefits including increased energy, cognitive performance, better sleep and digestion. You'll also be able enjoy delicious, high-quality meals made with great-tasting ingredients.

What's a great example of a tasty ketogenic dish? It could be like grilled salmon served over fresh kale sprinkled with parmesan cheese, paired with roasted cauliflower drizzled in olive oil, and topped off with freshly cut herbs for flavour. It could be an omelet filled with bacon bits, bell peppers and cheese, all cooked in your favorite buttery spread.

It doesn't matter which route you take when crafting your next keto-friendly meal. Quality ingredients are the key to any recipe being a hit! Go ahead, get in the kitchen! Explore new flavours and try healthy recipes to improve your quality of life.

Can you eat fruit on keto?

Is it possible to eat fruit while on the keto diet? Yes, but be careful.

It is important to reduce carbohydrate intake to maintain ketosis and to burn fat. Some fruits can still be part of a balanced keto diet.

While low-carb fruits can fit into a keto meal plan, they should be consumed sparsely and in careful moderation. There are many different fruits with different carbohydrate content. Avocados, for example, have a low carbohydrate content, but bananas contain significantly more.

Your body uses sugar in fruits to produce energy. An overload of sugar can cause blood sugar spikes and derail your progress when trying to achieve nutritional ketosis. It's important that you pay attention to the portion sizes of sugary items and not overdo it.

Choosing fresh fruit over processed or sugary snacks will provide essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre which help fuel our bodies without adding too many extra carbs associated with desserts or processed snacks like candy bars or pies.

You should consider whether or no fruit is better than sugary treats when deciding whether the keto diet is right. However, you must remember that fresh fruits are more nutritious than sugary treats.

How much fat is necessary to eat?

You need to ensure you are getting enough essential fatty acid when following a ketogenic lifestyle. This means that you should eat foods rich in healthy fats such as avocados, salmon and other nuts. You should also make sure you include other fat sources in your diet like butter, olive oil and coconut oil. These fats provide various health benefits, including improved cognitive function, digestion, and a stronger immune system. Generally, it would be best to aim to consume around 25-35% of your calories from fat.

You should also be aware of what fats you eat when you follow a ketogenic diet. Saturated and trans fats should be avoided as much as possible, as they can increase your risk for heart disease and other chronic illnesses. Instead, try to include healthy fat sources like avocados and nuts as well as fatty fish in your diet. By doing so, you will get all the essential fat acids and other nutrients your body requires to stay energized and healthy.

It is important to eat the right fats and be aware of how much. Too much fat can lead weight gain. In contrast, too little can cause fatigue or other health issues. It's important to find a balance that works best for you and how your lifestyle works. Tracking your daily fat intake using an app or food diary can help you ensure that you are getting the right amount. This will help keep you on track and ensure you receive enough essential fatty acid daily.

The ketogenic diet is not meant to be a quick weight loss solution. It can help you lose weight temporarily, but it is important that you eat a healthy diet and receive enough nutrients. Insufficient carbohydrate or fat intake can lead to nutritional deficiencies and other health issues. You should also consult your doctor before you decide to try the ketogenic diet.

Can you eat rice with keto?

Hesitating? Are you unsure how or whether rice should be included in a ketogenic diet? You can either answer yes or no, depending on what type of rice you choose. However, this could impact the balance of your carefully-curated diet.

Rice is a carbohydrate based on grains that provides a high amount of energy per serving. This means that most types of white and brown or wild rice should not be consumed in large amounts when you're counting calories or limiting carbs. Certain varieties, such as broccoli rice and cauliflower, are low in carbs but still provide vital nutrients like vitamin C and fibre.

Cauliflower has only 3g net carbs per cup of cooked cauliflower, making it a great choice for people trying to keep ketosis. Even though cauliflower is a great substitute, you should still be aware of some important tips before you start to incorporate it into your meals. Make sure to carefully portion out the ingredients and check the package for any extra ingredients. Bake instead of fry to cut calories; use healthy fats like avocado to flavor your food; and ensure adequate hydration throughout your day to avoid bloating due to any starches from rice.

Adding healthy grains such as low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice may boost essential vitamins & minerals - along with providing an enjoyable texture -- to support a successful ketogenic lifestyle when executed correctly. So if you're wondering if you should eat rice on keto? Pay attention to the type of rice and how many you choose. And, don't add any other fixings that could negate this wonderful grain's natural nutritional benefits.

Statistics

Fats should replace the majority of cut carbs and deliver approximately 60–80% of your total caloric intake. (healthline.com)
Recommended Keto diet includes: Keto sushi bites, olives, one or two hard-boiled or deviled eggs, keto-friendly snack bars, 90% dark chocolate, full-fat Greek yogurt mixed with nut butter and cocoa powder, bell peppers, and guacamole (healthline.com)
Proteins should account for around 10–30% of energy needs, while carbs are usually restricted to 5%. (healthline.com)
When following a ketogenic diet, carb content is between 5–10% of calories consumed, though looser versions of the diet exist (7Trusted Source (healthline.com)
The ratio is often 60% fat, 35% protein, and 5% carbs. (healthline.com)

External Links

How To

The Best Foods for a Ketogenic diet

To get the best ketogenic diet results, it is important to eat the right foods. Pack in protein, incorporate fats, and moderate carbohydrates while avoiding processed and sugary foods.

It is important to eat lots of whole foods and consume moderate amounts of healthy fats such as avocados, coconut oil and butter. You can maximize your success by eliminating all types of sugar, bread, or grains.

Your body should have the highest nutritional levels possible so that you choose organic whenever possible. Free-range eggs are a great way to get the vital nutrients you need from concentrated sources that have been naturally fed by their environment.

Your taste buds will be enticed by delicious low-carb recipes such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and other common low-carb ingredients like cauliflower, spinach, and spinach. Eating fermented foods is a great way to include probiotic properties in your diet that have been linked to improved metabolic health and decreased inflammation.

It is possible to experiment with wild meats like partridge, duck, venison and venison. This will add variety to your menu, while providing lean proteins, as well as minerals, that are often difficult to find in other food.

It's all about creating balance between eating fresh produce in their natural forms and adding nutrient dense ingredients that will help you stay satisfied, so you don’t feel deprived or denied.