Warm up with a delicious cup of protein, legumes, and vitamins!
Fall is the perfect season to start enjoying warm, hearty, comforting meals to nourish your body (and soul!) on chilly days. And it’s hard to think of anything that fits the bill better than chili!
Bursting with flavor and warmth, chili is a versatile dish that you can make in a variety of ways to suit your tastes and dietary preferences.
In this article, we’ll highlight four fun ways to make healthy chili recipes, including:
- Pumpkin or butternut squash chili
- Mixed bean & veggie chili
- Turkey or chicken chili
- White bean chili
Let’s get the healthy chili recipes below and explore some of the wonderful benefits and nutrients they each have to offer!
Pumpkin or butternut squash chili
A classic fall flavor, pumpkin already features in everything from pies to lattes to soups — so it only makes sense to try it in chili, too! Pumpkin chili is a delightful autumnal twist on a classic chili recipe, combining the earthy sweetness of pumpkin with the bold flavors of chili spices and a pop of cinnamon for extra pizzaz.
You’ll be even more excited to make this recipe after you learn about the health benefits of pumpkin, like boosting your immune system ahead of flu season and nourishing your skin. Or, try butternut squash chili for an equally popular fall flavor!
Mixed bean & veggie chili
For a bowl of totally plant-powered goodness, fill your chili pot with all your favorite mixed beans and vegetables. You can always start with a tried-and-true recipe like this, then make additions or swaps as you go along. (If you want to make it a three-bean or four-bean chili or even toss lentils in the mix, it’s your kitchen, so no one can stop you!)
Celebrate the vibrant colors of the autumn harvest with red tomatoes, green peppers, yellow corn, orange sweet potato, and more. Legumes are one of the best sources of heart-healthy plant-based protein; plus, beans and vegetables both provide plenty of fiber and essential vitamins and minerals.
Turkey or chicken chili
For the meat-loving chili chefs, there are healthy chili recipes that use turkey or chicken as a more heart-friendly protein option with lower saturated fat content. Try options like this quinoa turkey chili or white chicken chili. When simmered in a chili sauce, the meat will soak up the rich combination of flavors and spices and taste indulgent. As an extra bonus, traditional chili spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika contain powerful antioxidants with benefits like combating inflammation, reducing cholesterol, and more.
White bean chili
For anyone who isn’t as much of a tomato fan (or limits them for health reasons), don’t worry: you can still enjoy chili too! Use a white bean chili recipe that skips the traditional red broth in favor of a creamy medley of white beans like cannellini beans, chickpeas, and the un-aptly-named navy beans. With its comparatively milder flavors, this healthy chili recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone can indulge in.
Whether you prefer a spicy kick or a milder flavor, all of these healthy chili recipes are highly customizable to suit your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment to your heart’s content and take notes so you don’t forget the winning combination next year!
Next, check out these six delicious soup recipes so you can keep the kitchen magic going all fall and winter long.
