THE Chili Recipe for a Cozy Fall & Winter {2 Ways to Play}

This might not come as a shock to those who’ve been around here awhile, but I’m not really a salad girl (or smoothie chick for that matter). I know. {gasp}. At least not salads in the traditional sense of the word. Cold vegetables (cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots) on top of cold greens and a cold dressing. It’s not that I couldn’t use some cooling down once in awhile (I can be a total hot head and super intense – #aries), but cold foods just aren’t that satiating or satisfying to me. Can you relate? 

This is certainly even more true for me {and likely you} as we transition from warmer to cooler weather. Our body craves energetically grounding foods (like squashes, yams & sweet potatoes) and desires a warmth that permeates from the inside-out and makes us feel cozy with each bite. So in my house, it’s super important to have a plethora of simple and delicious soups on rotation. 

One of those staples? My Hearty Yam Chili, with two ways to play: stovetop or crockpot – depending on your mood (or appliances!). Stovetop takes 15-20 minutes, crockpot about 5-10 minutes on either end for initial and final prep. Both will leave your body feeling wrapped in warmth + love. 

“Normal” chili recipes often have diced tomatoes, but I’ve found that to be too acidic for my tastebuds and prefer the warmth + vibrancy of fall vegetables to get the feeling I desire.

To add to the heartiness and nutrient-density, I always add 1-3 vegetables. Here, I use yams, but you can add any option that your heart desires {depending on the season} – sweet potatoes, jalapeños, eggplant, carrots (I like shredded) bell peppers, zucchini or yellow squash, greens, mushrooms, frozen corn – you name it. You can also switch up the beans or make it vegetarian, swapping 1 cup (pre-soaked) quinoa for the meat.

If you’re searching for a bomb cornbread to compliment this awesome chili, check out my friend Aubrey Jenkins of drumbeets.com’s cornbread muffins. They’re amazing!

CHILI INGREDIENTS:

• 2 small yams, washed + peeled then chopped [cut lengthwise first, then lay flat side down and cut horizontally into small half moons]
• ½ lbs. organic, grass-fed flank steak OR½ lbs. organic, grass-fed ground beef or turkey
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. cayenne pepper (depending on desired spice)
• 1 Tbls. each: oregano, basil and thyme
• 3-4 cups homemade bone broth OR 1 box of organic vegetable broth
• 1 (6 oz.) can tomato paste
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 tsp. garlic or 2 cloves garlic, minced using Microplane grater
• 1 cup each: dried black beans and aduki or pinto beans, uncooked {soaked overnight in 2 cups water} OR 1 (15 oz.) can each: organic black beans and pinto or aduki beans 
• 1 (4 oz.) can diced green chilies
• Sea salt + pepper to taste
  

DIRECTIONS FOR THE CROCKPOT:

1. The night before: soak the 2 cups of beans with a dash of apple cider vinegar. When ready to add ingredients to crockpot, drain and rinse beans.
2. Dice the onions and yams.
3. Add all ingredients to the crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 6.
4. 10 minutes before ready to eat, remove flank steak and shred, then add back to crockpot. I recommend serving up the bowls at this time and letting them cool a few minutes before serving!

DIRECTIONS FOR STOVETOP:

1. Dice onions and add to a soup pot with 1 Tbls. avocado or coconut oil and minced garlic.
2. Saute for 2 minutes, then add ground beef or turkey, cooking until browned. 
3. Add remaining ingredients and bring to a boil.
4. Cover and turn heat to low, cooking for 8-10 minutes or until yams are soft. 

 

ADDING IN THE CORNBREAD MUFFINS: I recommend making the cornbread muffins and getting them in the oven before you start the stovetop version or you can make the muffins once you get home before eating the crockpot version!

 

Did you love all the goodness and inspiration in this post? Make sure you never miss a post by signing up for my newsletter {click here!}. And I’m sure you’d love my Living Fully E-Cookbook too {Spring + Summer Edition} or the Fall + Winter Seasonal Meal Plan {8 weeks of grocery lists, recipes and meal plans plus weekly inspiration and themes to keep your holiday season inspired + healthy living simple! Email me to get more information!}.