It is becoming increasingly difficult to tend to four appetites.
Because we all have different allergies and tastes and wants and likes, I am in a perpetual head-spin catering to everyone.
My husband is in constant need of protein to sustain all 200+ pounds of him.
My oldest daughter has to be treated carefully because of her vast array of allergies.
My youngest has fared pretty well so far in relation to food reactions. She appears to have nothing more than a milk intolerance (hallelujah).
Life is made easier if I find meals that at least two out of four of us can eat, which is why I love this recipe.
High protein for the hubby, tomato-free for Jade, and vegetable-packed for me.
Nat just loves eating, so she’s happy too. It feeds ALL of us happily, even allowing everyone a second helping, if desired.
It’s filling, hearty, and delicious! The mixture of spices is perfect for us. Not too spicy with a dash of anti-inflammatory action from the turmeric.
Also, if I make it for lunch, I often have easy leftovers for the girls.
- ½ yellow onion, chopped
- ½ green pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 small zucchini, chopped fine
- ½ t. turmeric
- 1 T. chili powder
- ½ t. dried oregano
- 1 t. sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ c. water
- 1 15 oz can red kidney beans, with bean juice
- 1 15 oz can chickpeas, with bean juice
- ¼ c. fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- Add the ground beef to a large, heated pot and begin to brown it.
- Add in onion, bell peppers, and garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add in the remaining veggies and spices (carrot, zucchini, turmeric, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper) and cook about 5-7 minutes until vegetables soften.
- Add in the water and both cans of beans (with their juices) and bring the mix to a boil.
- Lower the heat and simmer the chili (uncovered) for 30-60 minutes, until it achieves your desired thickness.
- Enjoy!
You’ll never miss the tomatoes in here!
Zucchini is a great bulking vegetable that adds the moisture tomatoes would ordinarily have contributed.
Top it with a little parmesan or guacamole and you have a healthy, protein-packed meal!
Do you make separate meals for your family?
Jeff
Doesn’t say when to put Cilantro in. I added at sea bing time
Matt Robinson
Lauren, this is seriously one of the best chili recipes I have seen. So great! Packed with protein, which I love, and the flavors sound amazing. Thanks!
Lauren
Thanks so much Matt! It is husband-approved, so hopefully that’s a good sign if you ever try it! 🙂
Izzy @ she likes food
I was hoping you were going to post your tomato-less chilli recipe! I love making chili and I really enjoy getting ideas from other people’s chilli recipes because I find that chilli is one of those recipes that everyone makes a little bit differently. I love all the veggies you put in yours 🙂
Mike@TheIronYou
The mixture of spices is indeed perfect and I love how you were able to meet all of your family members’ need with just one (awesome) veggie chili recipe.
Great job Lauren. really great job!
Christine@ Apple of My Eye
Hooray for finding a recipe that takes care of everyone’s needs! It must be a huge struggle to create recipes that your whole family can eat with so many different dietary restrictions/needs. This look delicious! 🙂
Lauren
Thanks Christine! 🙂