Healthy Comfort Food for Food Addiction Recovery

There are some meals that feel like a hug. Thee kind that says, “You’re safe. You’re nourished.” This chili is THAT meal for me.

I know chili has a reputation for being a little wild. Everyone has a version, everyone has opinions, and a lot of them come with ingredients that don’t exactly support abstinence or peace of mind.

This chili is different. This is Abstinent Kitchen chili.

Steady. Grounding. Satisfying without being activating. The kind of meal you can eat from a bowl without negotiating with yourself afterwards.

I make this chili on nights when I want something warm, comforting, and filling, but don’t want to flirt with old food noise. This is the recipe I come back to when life feels loud and I need dinner to be simple, predictable, and deeply nourishing.

This chili is perfect for a cold winter night, or a rainy day. This recipe is also a hit as a choice for Superbowl Sunday or as a side for a backyard barbeque.

This recipe is the kind of food I built Abstinent Kitchen around. Food that supports recovery instead of complicating it. Food that feels grown up and comforting at the same time. Food that is simple to prepare. Food you can come back to again and again without drama.

Chili

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• Author: Abstinent Kitchen
• Total Time: 25-35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Abstinent

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Description

This healthy, abstinent chili recipe is simple, hearty, grounding, and perfect for food addiction recovery. A cozy, protein-rich comfort meal you can trust.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Spice Blend:

• 1 tsp. chili powder (read the label, make sure it is sugar free)
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. oregano
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. black pepper
• 2 tsp. salt
• 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder (unsweetened)
• 1 Tbsp. masa harina

Chili:

• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 1 lb. ground turkey OR ground beef OR leftover roasted or grilled meat (optional)
• 1 large white onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced (color of your choice)
• 2 fresh garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup water or broth
• 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 (15 oz) cans beans, drained and rinsed (your choice: black, kidney, pinto, or combination)

Toppings: (optional)

• Shredded Cheese
• Sour Cream
• Diced Red or Green Onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Fresh jalapeno slices, sliced thin

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Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine spices. Set aside.
2. In a large cooking pot, heat avocado oil over medium heat. When the oil is heated and looks shimmery, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes.
3. If using raw meat, add it now, and cook through.
4. If using cooked, leftover meat, cook the onion and pepper for about 10 minutes, and then add the cooked meat.
5. Add the garlic and spice mixture and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
6. Add the water, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and drained beans. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, for about 20 -30 minutes.
7. If desired, top each serving with shredded cheese, sour cream, onion, cilantro, and jalapenos.

Notes

• The instructions above are for cooking on the stovetop.
• To make in the CROCKPOT: After step 5, all ingredients can be added to the crockpot and cooked on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
• To make in the INSTANT POT:  Prepare steps 1-5 in the instant pot on the sauté function set to high; After step 5 add remaining ingredients to the instant pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. Release the pressure immediately and serve.
• For vegetarian or vegan option, omit the meat. Alternatively, you could add shredded, cooked tofu or tempeh for added protein.
• This is a great recipe for using up already cooked, leftover meat: pork roast or chops, beef roast or grilled steaks, grilled chicken… the leftover cooked meats will tenderize while cooking in the chili.
• Because there are protein, starch, and veggies in this recipe, for a full meal, you could figure roughly 10 to 12 ounces of chili for a full meal serving (meeting all the food groups except fat in your abstinent meal plan). Adding an ounce of sour cream and/or a half ounce of cheese as toppings would be your fat serving. Onions, cilantro, or jalapenos would be negligible measurements.
• Some food plans may side-eye the addition of masa harina or cocoa powder. These are minimal ingredients that bring flavor and depth to the dish. Look for masa harina that contains only ground corn and lime. You can feel free to leave these ingredients out if they are not in your food plan.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Category: Full Meal
• Cuisine: Abstinent, American, Full Meal