Superfood Chili Recipe (2024)

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Superfood Chili Recipe (1)

Ounce for ounce, liver Is the most nutrient-densefood we know of. And yet, it’s the one word when spoken that causes every child (and husband) to cringe. In fact, we started taking these grass-fed organ meatcomplex supplements to help us get enough vital organ meats into our daily diet.

But every now and then, when throwing liver recipes at the wall to see what sticks (metaphorically), you hit on a recipe that not only everyone will eat, but actually enjoy as well.

Beef chili was a staple of my childhood, but the canned stuff I grew up on is just mystery meat in a can of preservatives. So while experimenting with all the various ways to mask the undesirable liver flavor, I found a beef chili recipe that actually satisfies those hearty meal cravings and reminds me of some favorite childhood memories (only much healthier).

Liver is chock full of – hang on, I am not going to quote stats today . . . how about a story instead?

Alrighty then, weird science story it is! Back in the 1950’s Dr. Benjamin K. Ershoff selected three groups of rats for a feeding experiment. The first group was fed a basic diet fortified with 11 vitamins. Group 2 received the same ration along with b-complex vitamins. Group 3 also ate the same diet, but instead of b-vitamins they were supplemented with powdered liver.

After several weeks, the animals were placed one by one into a drum of cold water from which they could not climb out. They literally were forced to sink or swim. Rats in the first group swam for an average 13.3 minutes before giving up. The second group, which had the added fortifications of B vitamins, swam for an average of 13.4 minutes. Of the last group of rats, the ones receiving liver, three swam for 63, 83 and 87 minutes. The other nine rats in this group were still swimming vigorously at the end of two hours when the test was terminated. Something in the liver had prevented them from becoming exhausted. To this day scientists have not been able to pin a label on this anti-fatigue factor.
The Liver Files

Setting Aside 1950’s Ethics . . .

I don’t know a mama who couldn’t use an anti-fatigue boost. Unfortunately, most people (including me) don’t enjoy the taste of liver. Fortunately for us, there IS a way to get your family to eat liver and like it!

Just last night I whipped up a batch of this beef and liver chili to photograph for today’s post and – even though he knows there ALWAYS is – My husband asked if there was liver in the chili. Yep, really. And oh, I forgot to mention that it’s actually good, too!

Ultimate Beef & Liver Chili

Servings 6

Calories 786kcal

Author Mommypotamus

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs grass-fed ground beef
  • ½ – 1 lbs chicken livers
  • 2-3 large onions (peeled and chopped)
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (or sub tallow)
  • 8 large tomatoes peeled and chopped or 25 oz. peeled diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup bone broth or water
  • 4 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp dried coriander
  • 2 tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp sea salt (you'll probably want to add more, but if you happen to use stewed tomatoes or broth that has salt added this is a good place to start)
  • 2 lemons (or 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar)
  • cups dried black beans (optional)

Instructions

  • Trim chicken livers (To do this remove any white, stringy portions with your fingers or a knife)

  • Place livers in a medium bowl and cover with water

  • Squeeze in the juice of 2 lemons or 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar and place in fridge for at least 8-12 hours. This will neutralize some of the strong flavor of the liver

  • Place beans in a bowl and cover liberally with water – they will expand to more than double their current size. Add 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar and allow to soak overnight.

The next day:

    To make the beans:

    • Rinse beans and place in a pot. Cover with a few inches of water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and allow to simmer until tender.

    To make the chili:

    • Warm oil/tallow over medium heat.

    • Add onions, garlic and liver, mincing liver as finely as possible while you sautee. When the onions are soft and the liver resembles a coarse paste(about 10 minutes), add ground beef and saute until brown.

    • Once the ground beef is browned, add the tomatoes and spices. If needed, pour in enough water/broth so that the meat is fully submerged.

    • Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for an hour.

    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    * Beef liver can be substituted but it will need to be finely minced before it is sauteed with the onions/garlic. Also, I recommend using no more than 1/2 pound as beef liver has a very strong taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 786kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 40g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 499mg | Sodium: 1590mg | Potassium: 2052mg | Fiber: 13g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 15522IU | Vitamin C: 68mg | Calcium: 170mg | Iron: 18mg

    Bon appetit, ya’ll!

    Superfood Chili Recipe (3)

    Do you love this recipe?

    Then you’ll also probably like these recipes for Chicken Liver Pâté with Bacon and Bayou Dirty Rice.

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    Superfood Chili Recipe (7)

    About HEATHER

    Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world.

    Superfood Chili Recipe (2024)

    FAQs

    What is the secret to amazing chili? ›

    Instead of adding water to your chili, add some more flavor with chicken or beef broth, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, or even beet or wine. Each one of these options brings out different notes and levels of sweetness that will enhance your culinary creation.

    What can I add to chili to make it amazing? ›

    Spices: While cumin, chile powder, and cayenne pepper tend to be common additions to many chili recipes, there's a broad world of flavor out there to experiment with. Try a little fenugreek, turmeric, garam masala, or sumac to layer in more complex flavors. Smoky paprika is my own personal favorite.

    Can homemade chili be healthy? ›

    Chili can be healthy, with qualifiers. The iconic dish—typically made with ground meat, tomatoes, kidney beans, and seasonings—is packed with protein, fiber (thanks, beans!), and iron. This makes chili relatively healthy, provided you don't get too carried away with high-fat toppings like sour cream and cheddar cheese.

    Is chili healthy for you at all? ›

    In general, chili is seen as a healthy food since chili contains ingredients from key food groups. If you want to build a healthier bowl of beef chili, choose lean ground beef. Reducing the fat content in the meat is important for heart health and can lower your risk of developing diabetes.

    What is the most important spice in chili? ›

    Most Common Chili Spices. Cumin, Chile Powders, and Paprika are the most common spices in chili followed by garlic, onion, coriander, Mexican oregano, and bay leaves. These ingredients can be combined to create a savory and well-balanced pot of top notch comfort food.

    Why do you put brown sugar in chili? ›

    The brown sugar gave it a sweet/tangy flavor that reminded me of BBQ-sauce! Th chili was so good - it was hard to stop eating it! I did had some extra veggies (1 cl. garlic, 1 celery stalk, 1 carrot, 1 bell pepper, 1 hot pepper) and used a can of diced tomatoes rather than tomato juice.

    How do you add depth to chili? ›

    Just a few tablespoons of cocoa powder (or even a few squares of a dark chocolate bar) can give your pot of chili that extra level of depth you've been searching for. Cocoa has a rich and creamy mouthfeel and can give your chili a nutty, floral, and even raisin-like flavor.

    What liquid is best for chili? ›

    Chili cooks low and slow, so you need enough liquid to tenderize the meat and keep everything from drying out. That liquid should also add flavor to the chili, so use chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, or beer.

    What does cinnamon do for chili? ›

    Cinnamon adds a different spice profile than chili powder or red or cayenne pepper would. It is a common savory spice in Indian food and I believe it's also used in savory dishes in Chinese cooking. It's a very versatile spice :).

    What are the best beans for chili? ›

    The best beans for chili are pinto, kidney, and black beans, like in this easy and tasty recipe. This 3-bean chili freezes great for meals later in the week. If you prefer thinner chili, add an extra can of tomato sauce. The green chiles are not hot and add a wonderful flavor, so don't be afraid to use them.

    Is Chilli better the longer you cook it? ›

    Not so fast. While all that time on the stovetop or in the slow cooker has made for a deep, spiced aroma, the long cook time often results in a flat flavor that benefits from some acidity to perk it up.

    Is Chilli a Superfood? ›

    They bring a lot of flavor, a little (or a lot) of spice and add a pop of color to your dish. But did you know that chili peppers are also considered a superfood for the health benefits that they provide to your diet? Chili peppers originate from the Americas, but are now cultivated all over the world.

    Which chili is the healthiest? ›

    Best: Eden Black Bean and Quinoa Chili

    Additionally, it is a lower-calorie option with a low fat content, allowing you to incorporate your favorite toppings to create a balanced meal. Top your chili with avocado or shredded cheese for a boost of fat, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt for a little extra protein.

    Is chili OK for weight loss? ›

    Helps with weight loss

    Studies show that the capsaicin in chili peppers can reduce appetite. Other studies show that chili peppers can increase metabolism and help you burn off the calories you do eat.

    Why is Wendy's chili healthy? ›

    There's nothing quite like a hearty bowl of soup to warm and fill you up on a cold day, and when it comes to healthy Wendy's food, chili's tough to beat. A large chili has just 340 calories per serving and 15 grams of fat. Thanks to the beans, you'll also get eight grams of fiber and 22 grams of protein.

    What ingredient will change your chili forever? ›

    According to The Kitchn, that ingredient is cocoa powder. You may associate chocolate with dessert, but rest assured, adding cocoa powder won't make your chili sickeningly sweet. Instead, it'll contribute a layer of richness and balance out the spiciness.

    Why would you put vinegar in chili? ›

    With only about 1 tablespoon per pot added toward the end of the cooking process, the vinegar will make the flavors more vibrant without overwhelming the dish with its biting tang. Through just a splash, everything becomes a little brighter, and the chili's flavors are more balanced.

    Why do you put baking soda in chili? ›

    Ground Beef: Provides the hearty meaty base for the chili. Opt for 85% lean; the fat enriches the meat, enhancing the dish's overall flavor and texture. And don't stress about the fat—post-cooking, it's easy to skim off any excess. Baking Soda: Helps tenderize the beef by locking in moisture, making it more succulent.

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