As soon as the temperatures start to dip below the 70’s, I love to pull out my crock pot. The slow cooker can become your best friend, especially on those crazy and hectic days. Whew!!!!  With a slow cooker, you’re able to set and forget it. A super simple and delicious meal! Here is my inspired hearty and nutrient dense dish that will tickle your taste buds. It contains a blend of smoke, heat, spice and sweet. I enjoy topping the chili off with fresh cilantro, cheddar cheese, a dollop of yogurt, or even just sour cream. And always enjoy making homemade olive oil and garlic infused Focaccia bread as a side. Love dipping my bread into the chili!! So yummy!!

 

I love adding beans, especially black beans, into my chili!! It’s a very good source of high fiber in which keeps you full and satisfied. When combined with whole grain rice, beans provide a virtually fat free high quality protein. A very good choice for individuals with diabetes, insulin resistance, or hypoglycemia.

 

The benefits of consuming grass fed poultry is that you are improving the welfare of livestock, helping put an and to environmental degradation, helping small farms and ranchers make a living off the land, sustaining and growth of local communities, and giving your family the most pure and healthiest of food. It’s a win-win situation. Be mindful. We cast a vote three times a day of what kind of world we want to live in. If there are no farms, there will be no food. Thank a farmer!

 

Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS:

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, quartered

2 garlic cloves, smashed & halved

3 carrots, chopped in thirds and halved lengthwise

1 red chili pepper, chopped

1 green chili pepper, chopped

2 cups boneless skinless chicken, cubed

1 can organic crushed tomatoes

3/4 cup organic black beans, washed & drained

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp cumin

1/8 tsp cayenne

3 cups organic vegetable broth, or homemade style

sea salt, to taste

black pepper, to taste

fresh cilantro, handful

plain yogurt, dollop

 

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a large saucepan, sweat the onions in the olive oil until translucent, or until soft. Add the garlic to the pan, sweat for about 2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the carrots, chili peppers and the meat; cook until meat is lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.

Remove from the stove and transfer cooked ingredients into the slow cooker. Add in the tomato sauce, beans, cocoa powder, spices, salt and pepper. Then a quick stir.

Pour in the broth and stir to combine.

Set the slow cooker to low: cook for 6 hours.

Serve over cooked rice and garnish with the cilantro, cheese and/or yogurt. Enjoy!!

 

NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Calories 283; Total Fat 9g; Cholesterol 42mg; Sodium 407g; Total Carbohydrates 29g; Dietary Fiber 8.5g; Sugars 8g; Protein 21g; vitamin A 137%, calcium 9%, vitamin C 59% and iron 20%. It is high in niacin,very high in vitamin A, B6 and vitamin C.

 

 

 

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