Seasonal comfort food: Chili

As the weather gets colder and the days get shorter, the meals you serve to your family get heartier. While summer is a great time for light meals, in the winter stews and meals that adapt well to the slow cooker are very appealing. Chili is one that finds its way onto many plates during the winter.

It may be a throw back to our ancestors who had to eat more food in the winter to keep warm, but most people crave comfort food in the cold months, and what could be more comforting than a hot bowl of chili?

Chili contains a good amount of protein. This can be provided in the form of beef, ground beef, ground turkey or chicken. Each of these options will add a slightly different flavor and minor difference in texture. The heartiest is the beef that is cut into small pieces and it is also the most traditional. 

Ground beef is easier to use and prepare but needs to be cooked properly prior to adding to the pot. When using chicken or turkey some additional fat may be required to give the chili all the richness that a winter dish requires. However, it is a great diet option.

Many chili recipes call for the use of kidney beans. These beans, which originated in South America, are slow carbs that provide lots of healthy fiber to the diet while helping you feel full for a longer time. They are loaded with nutrients and are low fat while providing lots of comfort. They come in both white and red varieties and help give chili its thick and comforting texture. 

Kidney beans also hold up well to long, slow cooking, which makes them ideal for popping into the Crockpot in the morning before leaving for work. There is nothing better than coming home to the smell of a great pot of chili.

Herbs and spices are also an important part of chili. Some spices provide a splash of heat to your dishes and chili powder and cumin are two of these that most chili dishes include. The addition of spicy peppers and tomatoes also gives that warm-your-tummy feeling.

According to ScienceLine, there really may be some science behind our winter cravings. “Our seasonal culinary desires have their roots in biochemistry and instincts, in seasonal availability and in cultural or family traditions. From Grandma’s herb-roasted turkey to Aunt Beverly's sweet potato bake, we have many reasons to reach for rich heavy comfort foods as the wind turns chilly.”

If you want to create a simple chili with very little work you can buy tomatoes that are pre-seasoned for chili, all you need to do is brown the meat of your choice, add a can or two of beans, a McCormick Chili Seasoning envelope and the tomatoes and turn on the Crockpot. It will all be ready to warm your winter evening when you arrive home from work.