Are you craving a delicious and healthy meal that's both satisfying and easy to make? Look no further! This Green Egg Chili recipe is your answer. Packed with vibrant vegetables and a hearty kick, it's a perfect quick dinner idea for busy weeknights, or a show-stopping dish for a weekend gathering. This homemade cooking masterpiece is surprisingly simple, making it ideal for even beginner cooks. Get ready to experience a new favorite among your healthy meals!
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Instructions:
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Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and peppers and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until slightly tender.
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Build the Flavor: Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, black beans, corn, vegetable broth, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Simmer to Perfection: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or longer for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. This green egg chili is delicious served with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option), avocado, or tortilla chips.
Cooking Tips for the Best Green Egg Chili:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of jalapeno and cayenne pepper to control the heat level to your liking. For a milder chili, omit the jalapeno entirely.
- Add protein: For a heartier chili, add 1 cup of cooked chicken, ground turkey, or beans.
- Thicken it up: If you prefer a thicker chili, simmer it uncovered for the last 10-15 minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to release their starches and thicken the chili naturally.
- Make it ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day! Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It freezes well too.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Chili: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you can easily make it vegan by omitting any dairy toppings.
- Southwest Chili: Add a can of diced tomatoes with green chilies for a southwestern twist.
- White Chicken Chili: Replace the beans with shredded chicken and add some white beans for a creamy white chili variation.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 10-15g
- Fiber: 8-10g
This Green Egg Chili is a fantastic example of delicious and healthy food recipes. It’s a perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. Enjoy the satisfying flavors and the ease of homemade cooking! This recipe is sure to become one of your best recipes for healthy weeknight meals.