Recently I was at a friends party. She is the ultimate party planner. This gal has style and sass unlike any other. When it comes to party planning….she owns it! For dinner she had a medley of chili. There were turkey, beef and vegetarian options. From there the guests could choose from a plentiful array of toppings to dress up their steamy bowl. All artfully arranged: chopped green onion, sour cream, hot & mild salsas and a variety of cheese were some of the offerings to top the chili. Great toppers for a top notch party!
Inspired by this steamy night of chili, I came up with a clean, healthy, yummy chili recipe with a flavor twist. Chinese 5 spice is a blend of sweet and savory flavors that works so well in chili. As fit foodies we love our unique healthy flavor twists and combinations!
This 5 spice chili is warming, satisfying, simple to prepare and very tasty! You get your veggies, lean protein and great flavor…..all in one warm bowl of chili. This recipe is great for parties and holiday guests. Just bump up the quantity depending on your crowd. It also leaves you with loads of leftovers for grab and go meals. The flavors intensify and marry nicely after a few days in the fridge. This is a high energy meal!
Freshologie
What is Chinese 5 Spice Blend? It is a blend of five spices meant to represent all five flavors – sweet, sour, pungent, bitter, and salty. Generally it has Szechuan peppercorns, Star Anise, Cinnamon, Cloves and Fennel. There are different varieties of the blend using various spices, but they all maintain the 5 flavor profile.
You can find 5 Spice Blend in most markets. You can also make your own. Click the following for a recipe and some more 5 Spice facts:
Chinese 5 Spice Harvest Chili {with Bison}
about 12 servings
source organic ingredients when possible
as with most of my recipes, the measurements for the veggies and spices are approximate add or subtract what you like
1 Cup Chopped Leeks
A few Cloves Chopped Garlic or 1 Tbs Garlic Purée
1 Cup Chopped Mushrooms
5 Large Carrots, Chopped
5 Parsnips, Chopped
28 Ounce Can Chopped Tomatoes
6 Ounce Can Tomato Paste
splash of Lemon Juice
1 Cup Vegetable or Beef Broth or a few cubes of Boullion with 1 Cup Water
1 Tbs Chili Powder
2 Tsp Cumin
1 Tbs Chinese 5 Spice Blend
2 Tsp Smoked Paprika
Garlic Salt and Pepper to Taste
Splash of Olive Oil
- In a large pot add a splash of olive oil, garlic and leeks. Over medium heat cook for a few minutes and add the measured spices. Cook until softened, fragrant and lightly browned. Stir occasionally.
- Add veggies. Cook to soften veggies for about 10 minutes while the meat browns. Stir occasionally.
- In a separate pan, add splash of olive oil, cook and brown ground meat. Add pinches of the above spices, stir to combine.
- Add cooked meat, chopped tomatoes tomato paste, broth and lemon juice to veggie pot. Stir to combine.
- Bring to boil. Turn down heat to low and simmer for about 1/2 hour or until veggies are cooked thorough.
- Add additional broth or water if necessary to thin out.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Bowl up your chili and add any desired toppings. Enjoy!
Fresh Variations:
Protein Choice: Not in the mood for Bison? You can use ground turkey, chicken, lean lamb or even firm tofu in this chili. You can also use shredded turkey or chicken.
Healthy Fats: Top your bowl with Avocado, Light Sour Cream, Yogurt, Cheese or Guacamole. Other than traditional Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese, you can use crumbled Feta, Goat Cheese, Blue Cheese or Gorgonzola.
Make it Spicy! Add some smokey Chipotle Pepper, Cayenne or diced Jalapeño while cooking or to individual bowls.
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
This looks so delicious.I will certainly try this one and will let you know how it comes out.Thanks for sharing your talent..