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Whether sweet or spicy, packed with meat or filled to the brim with vegetables, many people find chili to be the ultimate comfort food. If you don’t like beans, you may have passed on this popular dish, but there’s no reason to miss out on the flavors and nutrition in chili just because you don’t like beans. Once you find some easy no-bean chili recipes you enjoy, you’ll be eating this comfort food by the bowlful.
There are plenty of delicious chili recipes without beans to choose from. No-bean chili recipes are still a healthy and hearty meal, plus they taste delicious and are easy to make. In fact, the easy no-bean chili recipes we have included here can be made with simple ingredients you may already have in your kitchen.
Why Is chili popular?
Chili is the ultimate American comfort food. It’s hearty and flavorful and is a great meal to enjoy after hiking, skiing or while watching the big game. Originating in Northern Mexico, the dish first became popular in San Antonio, Texas. It became a national dish after it was introduced at the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
It’s no surprise that chili started out as a popular recipe among the working class, since it is a budget friendly meal that often includes low cost ingredients. This highly versatile dish can also be made to suit a variety of dietary needs and tastes. Often enjoyed with a side of homemade cornbread, chili is easy to make and tastes just as good when reheated so it’s great for meal prep.
Why not use beans in chili recipes?
Some people dislike the taste or texture of beans and others need to avoid beans if they have food allergies, food intolerances or a digestive condition such as irritable bowel syndrome. Beans and other legumes can be difficult to digest, causing gas, bloating and stomach discomfort. But regardless of the reason you don’t eat beans, you can still enjoy all the goodness of chili by making a no-bean chili recipe.
Why is chili good for you?
Chili can be an excellent source of protein and fiber, even without beans. Beef, pork, chicken, turkey and tofu taste delicious in a no-bean chili recipe and are all high in protein. Chili peppers, tomatoes and other vegetables commonly found in chili are great sources of fiber, as well as vitamins A and C. The spicy taste you enjoy from chili peppers or chili powder is also a great source of capsicum, which boosts your metabolism and may help with weight loss.