**Note**: Adjust the ingredients as per your taste preferences and dietary requirements.
Steps
### Best Texas-Style Chili with Whole Wheat Beans and Grains - A Perfect Low-Carb Meal
Texas-style chili is not just a meal; it's an experience! If you're looking to enjoy this classic dish while maintaining your low-carb or whole-grain diet, follow these detailed steps for making the perfect batch of whole wheat bean and grains chili. This recipe focuses on using whole wheat beans, quinoa, and barley to deliver a hearty and nutritious meal.
#### Ingredients
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or your preferred cooking oil
- 2 pounds ground beef (or your favorite protein substitute)
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes with their juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup quinoa or barley, cooked according to package instructions
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
#### Instructions
1. **Prepare the Ingredients**
- Dice the onion and mince the garlic.
- Rinse and drain the beans.
2. **Cooking the Base**
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant but not browned.
3. **Adding the Protein**
- Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef (or substitute). Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until well-browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat from the pot if necessary.
4. **Incorporating Liquids and Spices**
- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, cumin, chili powder, and cinnamon (if using).
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
5. **Adding Beans and Grains**
- Stir in the whole wheat kidney beans and black beans.
- Add the cooked quinoa or barley and mix thoroughly.
- Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes until heated through.
6. **Seasoning and Serving**
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
#### Tips for Success
- **Quality of Ingredients:** Use high-quality canned beans to ensure a smooth texture and rich flavor.
- **Protein Substitution:** Replace ground beef with your favorite low-carb protein, such as turkey, venison, or even a plant-based crumble.
- **Texture Variety:** Mix in some chopped bell peppers for added color and crunch.
#### SEO-Friendly Keywords
- Best Texas chili recipe
- Whole wheat bean chili
- Low-carb beans and grains chili
- Quinoa barley chili
- Cumin and chili powder chili
Enjoy your delicious, hearty, and nutritious Texas-style chili with whole wheat beans and grains! This meal is perfect for satisfying your appetite while staying true to your dietary preferences.