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Super Tasty, Super Healthy Chilis

For Autumn Meals


New Chilis Offer Flavorful Options, With or Without Meat and Beans

 


Recipes

Can't-Believe-It's-Meatless Chili

Chili Con Crazy

Chili Mac Casserole

Chili With Turkey

Monterey Chili
Acini De Pepe

Santa Fe Stew

Southwestern Shrimp And Black Bean Chili

Three-Bean Chili

Turkey Chili Cobbler

White Chili

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More Chili, Soups & Stews

Click on the link below for more chill-chasing one bowl meals ~ Several quick bread recipes included, too!

Bread, Soup, Chili & Stews

A Healthy Hill O'Beans

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Choice Chili Tips

When a chili recipe calls for low-sodium tomato juice, try substituting low-sodium V-8 juice instead.

For extra bulk and nutrition, add a cup of shredded zucchini to your chili. Your family will never know you're supplying them with extra vitamins!

Do you favor thick, full-flavored chili? Let it sit in the refrigerator a day or two before serving.

To "hide" vegetables in your chili from fussy eaters, purée them in a blender or food processor first.

For a unique flavor, try adding leftover jellied cranberry sauce to your favorite chili recipe.

Source: Taste of Home Low-Fat Country Cooking, ©1997 by Reiman Publications, L.P.

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     Just in time for football season, cooler weather and Halloween, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) has created party-sized chili recipes with a winning strategy: robust flavor and solid nutrition, minus excess calories and fat.

     "In addition to being a great cold-weather comfort food and crowd-pleaser," says Melanie Polk, R.D., AICR’s Director of Nutrition Education, "chili, as a basic concept, is a healthful dish, although through the years, its meat and fat content have been supersized. To address America’s rising health problems, like excess weight, cancer, diabetes and heart disease, AICR has revamped the classic chili to emphasize flavor and pump up its health-protective features."

     Polk notes that AICR’s new chilies feature a healthier proportion of protein, fat and carbohydrate. They also offer more of the natural phytochemicals that protect against a wide range of illnesses.

Chili’s Key Ingredients Offer Cancer Protection
and Other Health Features

     According to Polk, chile peppers and other spices, considered the hallmark ingredients in chili, offer important health benefits. Chile peppers contain capsaicin, an antioxidant incorporated into products used to treat inflamed joints and painful nerve
conditions. Spices typically used in chili recipes, like cumin and cilantro, offer cancer protection, especially against breast and liver cancer.

     Beans, a common element in chili, are rich in many different types of phytochemicals that help protect against infections, heart disease and cancer, especially of the breast and prostate. Beans are also rich in protein, dietary fiber, thiamin, vitamin B6, folate and several important minerals.

Chili’s Endless Variations Offer Creative Flexibility

     "Many Americans," says Polk, "think of chili as a beef dish, but numerous versions, including meatless chilies, have been developed."

     Chili’s popularity first took hold in Texas, in the late 1800s. Many Texans believe it criminal to make chili with beans, but others consider kidney and other types of beans an essential chili ingredient.

     As chili’s popularity expanded during the last 100 years, so did countless variations. Some Southwestern chilies call for rattlesnake or armadillo meat. Cincinnati chili contains spaghetti, Hawaiian versions have been known to include the fish mahi mahi, and one Asian-style version contains adzuki, a sweet red bean.

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    CAN'T-BELIEVE-IT'S-MEATLESS CHILI
This meatless chili tastes better eaten a day or two after it’s made, and even dyed-in-the-wool meat-eaters will enjoy it. The baking chocolate that this recipe calls for can be omitted if desired, but it does provide a rich, deep flavor that acts as a kind of substitute for the flavor of meat. (Unless told, those who eat this will not know it contains chocolate.) Recipe from the AICR.

2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 large onion, chopped
3-6 peeled garlic cloves, as desired, chopped
3 cans (14.5 oz.) diced tomatoes*
1 can (4 oz.) diced mild green chiles, drained
1/2 fresh jalapeño chile, finely chopped, with or without seeds, as desired
2-3 Tbsp. chili powder, as desired
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. dried chives
1 large bay leaf
1 can (15-16 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained**
1 can (15-16 oz.) black, white, or chili beans, rinsed and drained**
1 seeded green bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 seeded red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
1 package (10 oz.) frozen corn (or canned corn, drained)
1-1/2 Tbsp. chopped semisweet chocolate (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Hot sauce, if desired

*Any diced canned tomatoes can be used, according to individual tastes, such as Mexican style, stewed, or spicy versions.

**Canned northern beans or canned garbanzo beans (drained and rinsed) can also be used.

     Heat oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and gently sauté until onion is translucent and garlic is golden, about 5 minutes.

     Add tomatoes with juices, chiles, chili powder, cumin, chives and bay leaf. Cook 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add beans, bell peppers, corn and chocolate (if using). Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until chili is thick, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in cilantro. Adjust seasonings if needed, adding additional chili powder or hot sauce, if desired. Remove bay leaf before serving.

     If desired, serve along with corn bread and, for toppings, sour cream and cheese. Makes 9 servings.

Sodium Alert! Although lower in sodium than many chili recipes, this recipe is not suitable for those on low salt menu plans.

Per serving: 183 Cal; 4 g Total Fat (<1 g Sat Fat); 31 g Carb; 441 mg Sodium; 8 g Protein; 10 g Dietary Fiber. Exchanges: 1 Starch; 3 Veg; 1 Lean Meat; 1 Fat.

Note: This chili makes nine servings, but it can be extended for a large crowd by serving it over hot cooked rice, preferably brown.  Leftover cooked meat, like diced turkey or chicken, can also be added.

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CHILI WITH TURKEY
Using a variety of bean adds interesting texture and color to this recipe, as does the addition of corn. When leftover turkey is not available, cooked and drained turkey sausage or cooked, diced chicken can be substituted. As with most chilies, this dish tastes better if made in advance and refrigerated a day or two before serving. Recipe from the AICR.

2 Tbsp. canola oil
2 cups chopped onion
2-4 garlic cloves as desired, chopped fine
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped coarse
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper, or as desired
1 Tbsp. cumin
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. cinnamon (optional)
3 cans (16 oz.) of 3 different types of beans (kidney, black, garbanzo, etc.) rinsed and drained
1 cup frozen corn (or canned corn, drained)
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes, with juice
1 cup low-sodium "V-8" (or spiced) tomato juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, if desired
3 cups diced cooked turkey*
Hot sauce, as desired

*In place of cooked turkey meat, turkey sausage that has been cooked and drained of fat can be used, as can cooked, diced chicken.

     Heat oil in large, deep pot over medium-high heat until oil is hot. Stir in onions, garlic and bell peppers. Lightly sauté until onion is translucent, garlic is golden and bell pepper is softened. Stir in chili powder, cayenne, cumin, oregano and cinnamon and cook, stirring, for 30 seconds. Stir in beans, corn, tomatoes and juice.

     Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Stir in turkey and simmer additional 15 minutes. Adjust seasonings, as desired, adding more salt, pepper and hot sauce, if desired. Serve accompanied with sour cream and cheese as toppings, if desired. Makes 10 servings.

Sodium Alert! Although lower in sodium than many chili recipes, this recipe is not suitable for those on low salt menu plans

Per serving: 261 Cal; 6 g Total Fat (1 g Sat Fat); 32 g Carb; 461 mg Sodium; 21 g Protein; 9 g Dietary Fiber. Exchanges: 1 Starch; 3 Veg; 3 Lean Meat; 1 Fat.

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CHILI CON CRAZY
This chili contains neither meat nor beans. Despite its challenge to common perceptions of chili, this somewhat unusual one received many raves at an AICR taste-testing. One senior staff member commented, with surprise, "I don’t eat chili, but this I like!" In a case of "everything old is new again," this hearty and flavor-rich chili is, in fact, similar to a generations-old African stew that also contains sweet potatoes, peanuts and chili powder. Recipe from the AICR.

2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 onion, chopped
2 peeled carrots, sliced thin
1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2-4 (more, or none, as desired) peeled garlic cloves
4 cups peeled sweet potatoes, cut in bite- size chunks
1-1/2 cups unsalted roasted peanuts
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
6 ounces tomato paste
2 cans (4 ounces) chopped green chiles, with liquid
4-6 Tbsp. chili powder, or according to taste
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
5 cups cooked brown rice (optional)

     Place the oil in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, and bell peppers, and sauté lightly about 8 minutes. Add garlic and sauté until golden. Add sweet potatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, tomato paste, chiles, chili powder, cumin and sugar.

     Reduce heat immediately and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for 15 to 25 minutes, or until sweet potatoes are barely fork-tender. Halfway through cooking process, adjust seasonings, adding additional chili powder, cumin and sugar, if desired. Add salt and pepper as desired. Serve in bowls or, if desired, on plates, over cooked brown rice. Makes 10 Servings.

Sodium Alert! Although lower in sodium than many chili recipes, this recipe is not suitable for those on low salt menu plans

Per Serving (with optional rice): 385 Cal; 15 g Total Fat (2 g Sat Fat); 55 g Carb; 409 mg Sodium; 11 g protein 8 g Dietary Fiber. Exchanges: 3 Starch; 3 Veg; 3 Fat.

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SOUTHWESTERN SHRIMP AND BLACK BEAN CHILI
Holly says, "A wonderful blend of flavors produces this very easy recipe that includes all my favorites: black beans, corn, and shrimp. This chili is not only great tasting, but also high in fiber and low in fat." Recipe from The Holly Clegg Trim & Terrific™Cookbook, ©2002 by Holly Clegg, www.hollyclegg.com

1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup shredded peeled carrot
1 Tbsp finely chopped pickled jalapeño pepper
1/2 tsp minced garlic
1 Tbsp chili powder
1-1/2 tsp dried cumin
1 (14.5-ounce) can chopped tomatoes, with juice
1 (16-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup water
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled*
1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn

*Quick Tip: For a time saver, purchase already peeled shrimp at your local seafood or super market.

     In a large pot coated with nonstick cooking spray, sauté the green and red peppers, onion, carrot, jalapeño pepper, and garlic until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes.

     Stir in the chili powder, cumin, tomatoes, black beans, water, and shrimp; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and cook for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink. Add the corn and continue cooking 5 minutes longer. Makes 4 to 6 Servings.

Per Serving (based on 6 Servings): 205 Cal; 2 g Total Fat (00 g Sat Fat); 32 g Carb; 90 mg Cholesterol; 436 mg Sodium; 17 g Protein; 9 g Dietary Fiber. Exchanges: 2 Very Lean Meat; 1 Starch; 3 Veg.

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MONTEREY CHILI ACINI DE PEPE
Some vegetarian chilies call for bulgur or cracked wheat. This fuss-free and satisfying recipe uses acini de pepe, a tiny pasta that is readily available. Recipe from 1,001 Delicious Recipes for People with Diabetes, edited by Linda Eugene, RD, CDE, Sue Spitler and Linda R. Yoakam, RD, MS,
©2001 by Surrey Books, Inc.

1 medium onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 tsp olive oil
1 can (15-ounces) pinto beans, rinsed, drained
1 can (14-ounces) reduced-sodium diced tomatoes,
   undrained
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp dried oregano leaves
1 tsp unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup acini de pepe (pasta), cooked, warm
1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Salt and pepper to taste
3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

     Sauté onion and bell pepper in oil in large saucepan until tender. Stir in beans, tomatoes and liquid, chili powder, oregano, and cocoa. Heat to boiling, reduce heat and simmer, covered, 10 minutes. Stir in acini de pepe (pasta) and cilantro; season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve in bowls; top with cheese. Makes 4 Servings.

Sodium Alert! Although lower in sodium than many chili recipes, this recipe is not suitable for those on low salt menu plans.

Per Serving: 275 Cal; 9 g Total Fat (5 g Sat Fat); 36 g Carb; 19 mg Cholesterol; 461 mg Sodium; 14 g Protein. Exchanges: 2 Starch; 1 Veg; 1 Lean Meat; 2 Fat.

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THREE-BEAN CHILI
Although chili is traditionally made with kidney beans, you can mix and match varieties, as this tasty version proves.
Recipe from One Pot Meals For People With Diabetes,
©2002 by Ruth Glick and Nancy Baggett.

1 pound lean ground beef
2 cups finely chopped onion
1 tsp minced garlic
1 (19-ounce) can white kidney beans or cannellini beans,
   rinsed and well drained
1 (16-ounce) can light-skinned, low-sodium red kidney
   beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16-ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (16-ounce) jar mild salsa
1 (15-ounce) can low-sodium tomato sauce or regular
   tomato sauce
1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium diced tomatoes
1 Tbsp plus 1 tsp chili powder
2 tsp granulated sugar
1-1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/8 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste (optional)

     In a Dutch oven or similar large heavy pot, combine the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the beef has changed color. Drain fat.

     Add the beans, salsa, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chili powder, sugar, cumin, black pepper, and salt, if desired.

     Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until flavors are well blended. Makes 10 Servings.

Per (1-Cup, without optional salt) Serving: 264 Cal; 7 g Total Fat (2 g Sat Fat); 34 g Carb; 28 mg Cholesterol; 259 mg Sodium; 18 g Protein; 10 g Dietary Fiber; 9 g Sugars. Exchanges: 1-1/2 Starch; 2 Veg; 1 Medium-Fat Meat; 1-1/2 Fat.

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SANTA FE STEW
Patti Henson of Linden, TX says, "This recipe came with me from New Mexico, where I lived years ago. It's been a hit at everything from a simple family supper to a church fellowship." Patti's recipe was published in Taste of Home Low-Fat Country Cooking,
©1997 by Reiman Publications, L.P.

1 (2 pounds) boneless beef chuck roast, trimmed and cut
   into 1/2-inch cubes
2 medium onions, sliced
1 can (10-ounces) tomatoes with jalapeños* OR 1 can
   (14.5-ounce) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 cans (4-ounces each) chopped green chilies
1 can (10.5-ounces) low-sodium condensed beef broth
1 Tbsp sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 medium green pepper, chopped
1 cup water
1 can (15-ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained

*Look for tomatoes with jalapeños in the ethnic food section of your grocery store or super market.

     In a Dutch oven coated with nonstick cooking spray, brown roast on all sides over medium-high heat. Add the next nine ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 1-1/2 hours or until the meat is tender. Add pinto beans and heat through. Yield: 8 Servings.

Sodium Alert! Although lower in sodium than many chili recipes, this recipe is not suitable for those on low salt menu plans.

Per Serving: 252 Cal; 7 g Total Fat (2 g Sat Fat); 15 g Carb; 78 mg Cholesterol; 450 mg Sodium; 30 g Protein. Exchanges: 1/2 Starch; 2 Veg; 4 Med-Fat Meat; 1-1/2 Fat.

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CHILI MAC CASSEROLE
Marlene Wilson of Rolla, ND, says, "This nicely spiced entrée uses several of my family's favorite ingredients, including macaroni, kidney beans, tomatoes and cheese. Just add a green salad for a complete meal." Marlene's recipe was published in Taste of Home's Light & Tasty Annual Recipes 2002, ©2002 by Reiman Publications, LLC.

1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 pounds lean ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28-ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (16-ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (6-ounces) tomato paste
1 can (4-ounces) chopped green chilies
1-1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1./2 tsp pepper
2 cups (8-ounces) reduced-fat Mexican-blend cheese,
   shredded

     Preheat oven to 375°F. Spray a 13- x 9- x 2-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

     Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, cook the beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in the tomatoes, beans, tomato past, chilies and seasonings. Drain macaroni; add to beef mixture.

     Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Cover and bake in preheated 375°F oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 5 to 8 minutes longer or until cheese is melted. Yield: 10 Servings.

Sodium Alert! This recipe is not suitable for those on low salt menu plans.

Per (1-Cup) Serving: 343 Cal; 13 g Total Fat (3 g Sat Fat); 25 g Carb; 45 mg Cholesterol; 812 mg Sodium; 32 g Protein; 6 g Dietary Fiber. Exchanges: 3 Lean Meat; 1-1/2 Starch; 1/2 Veg; 2-1/2 Fat.

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WHITE CHILI
"This is one of my favorite recipes because the chili simmers all day in a slow cooker, " says Lana Rutledge of Shepherdsville, KY. "When your hungry clan calls for dinner, you can ladle up steaming bowlsful in a hurry." Lana's recipe was published in Taste of Home's Down-Home Diabetic Cooking, ©1995 by Reiman Publications, L.P.

2 medium onions, chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 quarts water
3 pounds chicken breasts, skin removed
1 pound dry navy beans
2 cans (4-ounces each) chopped green chilies
1 Tbsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 to 1 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cloves
2 low-sodium chicken bouillon cubes
Dried chives and crushed red pepper flakes, optional

     Place onions and garlic in the bottom of a slow cooker. Add the next nine ingredients; do not stir.

     Cook on HIGH for 8 to 10 hours. Uncover and stir (meat should fall off the bones). Remove bones. Stir to break up the meat. Spoon into bowls; sprinkle with chives and red pepper flakes, if desired. Yield: 12 Servings.

Per (1-Cup) Serving: 294 Cal; 4 g Total Fat; 28 g Carb; 73 mg Cholesterol; 239 mg Sodium; 37 g Protein. Exchanges: 4 Lean Meat; 2 Starch; 1 Fat.

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TURKEY CHILI COBBLER
You won't have to lift a hand to stir this chili during cooking, and you get a cornbread dumpling bonus with each serving!
Recipe from Low-Fat Ways To Cook One-Dish Meals,
©1995 by Oxmoor House, Inc.

Vegetable cooking spray
1-1/2 pounds ground turkey
1 cup chopped onion
1 medium-size green pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5-ounce) cans no-salt-added whole tomatoes,
   undrained and coarsely chopped
1 (16-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained
1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chiles, undrained
1/2 cup water
1-1/2 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper
Cornbread Dumplings (recipe follows)

     Coat a Dutch oven with cooking spray; place over medium-high heat until hot. Add turkey, onion, green pepper, and garlic. Cook until turkey is browned, stirring until turkey crumbles. Drain; wipe drippings from pan with paper towels.

     Return turkey mixture to Dutch oven. Add tomato and next 6 ingredients. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 30 minutes. Transfer turkey mixture to a shallow 2-1/2 quart casserole coated with cooking spray.

     Drop Cornbread Dumplings batter by tablespoons onto chili, leaving space between batter. Bake at 425°F for 20 minutes or until dumplings are browned. Yield: 6 Servings.

Sodium Alert! This recipe is not suitable for those on low salt menu plans.

Per Serving(with 2 Dumpling): 382 Cal; 8 g Total Fat (2 g Sat Fat); 42 g Carb; 67 mg Cholesterol; 658 mg Sodium; 35 g Protein. Exchanges: 2 Starch; 2 Veg; 5 Lean Meat; 2 Fat.

CORNBREAD DUMPLINGS

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup skim milk
2 Tbsp frozen egg substitute, thawed
1-1/2 Tbsp reduced-calorie margarine, melted
1/4 cup (1-ounce) 40% less-fat Cheddar cheese, shredded
1-1/2 Tbsp minced green onions

     Combine first 6 ingredients in a medium bowl; make a well in the center of cornmeal mixture.

     Combine milk, egg substitute and melted margarine in a small bowl; add to dry ingredients, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Gently stir in cheese and green onions. Yield: 6 Servings.

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