Healthy Black Bean Beef Chili Recipe

By Jessica King


Chili is a great meal, easy to fix and immensely satisfying. Using a black bean beef chili recipe makes a healthy variety of this popular dish, with the added health benefits of the nutritious legume. Make it for family dinners, casual entertaining, or for a 'make it on the weekend and eat it throughout the week' time saver.

This vegetable is a native of the Americas, but its tastiness and nutritional value has carried it to many countries. Small and delicious, it has all the benefits of a legume as well as some special features. Even though black beans are loaded with carbohydrates, they still rank low on the glycemic scale.

Although almost three-quarters of the calories in these beans come from carbohydrates, they are still ranked low among foods that affect blood sugar levels. Their carbohydrates are called 'resistant', since they are hard to digest. For this reason, they don't raise blood glucose levels and cause an insulin spike. However, the carbohydrates do break down in the large intestine, making them a good overall source of nutrition. They also have lots of fiber, which is important for colon health and efficient digestion.

The black bean is rich in phytonutrients, which are concentrated in the seedcoat. They rank with red onions, red cabbage, and blueberries in flavanoid content. They contain anthocyanins, another class of nutrient that gives color to vegetables. They are a good source of quercetin, an immune-system booster that helps prevent or reduce allergic reactions to pollen and also lowers cholesterol.

Beans in general are a good source of minerals and protein. This particular variety of legume is considered a valuable source of zinc, which is necessary for everyone and especially valuable for men. Black beans, like other kinds of seeds, do contain phytates, which can bind minerals and make them hard to absorb, but research shows that the zinc in these beans is boiavailable. Phytates are believed to have an antioxidant action in the body, as well.

You can use this variety of small, plump bean in any chili recipe, simply substituting them for red kidney beans, white beans, pinto beans, or whatever you usually use. Use dry or canned beans in your favorite recipes. If using dried beans, rinse them well and discard any that are damaged, as well as removing any debris. Pre-soaking them reduces their gas-producing carbohydrates. (Cover well with water and bring to a boil; allow to soak in hot water for at least two hours until tender. You can also soak the beans in cold water overnight.)

Great chili starts with sauteed onions and garlic and well-browned beef, either hamburger or cubed chuck. Add prepared beans, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and spices. Red chili powder, oregano, and cumin are traditional. You can add sea salt at any time, but wait until serving to add black pepper; this protects the valuable antioxidants of the pepper, which are destroyed by high heat. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with shredded cheese and sour cream for a delicious, colorful meal.

In addition to healthy chili, you can use these nutritious powerhouses in dips, salads, soups, and tacos. Switching to black beans can make meals healthier and even more delicious.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment