A hearty, healthy recipe for your body and your beard

Do you have a go-to comfort meal? Something that’s good for the body, great for the
soul, and isn’t a beast of a chore to slay in the kitchen? 
One of our personal faves is a piping hot bowl of chili. This hearty recipe will keep you
fueled for adventure – and it’s so deliciously thick, you’ll never have to worry about it
dripping into your face mane. (Thank us later!)

Step 1: Choose your meat 
The most common meat found in chili is ground beef. And don’t get us wrong – we don’t
have beef with beef! Ground beef is an inexpensive and easy-to-find ingredient that
works in just about anything. 
But feel free to take a walk on the wild side.. Local suppliers or specialty stores (even
your hunting buddy!) might offer something a little more unique – and with more of a
protein punch – like elk, bison, or deer. 
Whatever meat you’re craving, brown it up in a skillet before you add it to the pot. Treat
it with some spice rub or smoke to get an extra burst of flavor – there’s no one-taste-fits-
all rules here! 

Step 2: It’s veggie time
We don’t want to get all mom-like on you – but mama is always right. So eat your
veggies. And chili is one of the easiest, most satisfying ways to get your daily dose.
The secret ingredient behind our chili? Potatoes. For all you purists out there, stick with
us. These hearty spuds pack a nutritional punch (loaded with vitamins, potassium and
calcium) AND thicken your chili to prevent the dreaded beard drip. 
From there, you can mix in your favorite combo of veggies to fill you up. Some
ingredients, like beans and tomatoes, are kind of essential. (Would it even BE chili
without beans? You tell us . . . ) But that doesn’t mean you can’t experiment. We’re
talking peppers, tomatoes, corn, onions. Even butternut squash.  
And fun fact: Vegetables are rich in antioxidants that help promote healthy skin.
Just as one beard style won’t suit every man, not every veggie will taste its best in chili
– so try a few combinations and see what you like best.

Step 3: Start spicing it up

The best part about making homemade chili? Raiding your cupboards and having fun
with flavor. 
Chili powder is another of those must-have ingredients (it does have chili in the name,
after all) . . . but do you know how many types of chili powder there are? 
Hint: there’s a lot more than you think – and they each pack a unique punch of heat,
depending on the chili pepper they’re made from. Think mild poblano to howling ghost. 
Next to go in the pot: cumin, red chili flakes, brown sugar, and cocoa powder . . .
because who doesn’t love a little sweetness with their spice. 

Step 4: Serve it up thick
Whether you’re sharing a bowl with friends and family or keeping it all to yourself (No
judgment here!), give your chili an extra boost with garnishes and toppings. 
Melted cheese, sour cream, and fresh produce like green onions or even pineapple
(heck yeah, we’re serious – give it a try for yourself!) can add a powerful punch that
keeps you coming back for more. 

Beard-approved chili recipe
Ingredients:
– 1 lb of mouth-watering meat – grilled, baked, or fried to perfection
– Enough chopped veggies to fill a large soup pot (starting with one large potato!)
– 2 cans of beans (black, pinto, or kidney – or mix and match!)
– 1 can of diced tomatoes 
– 1 tbsp of your favorite chili powder (or more, if you like it hot) 
– 2 tsp cumin 
– 1 tsp red chili flakes 
– 1 tsp brown sugar 
– 1 tsp cocoa powder
– The toppings of your choice (and trust us: give pineapple a go!) 

How to make brag-worthy, beard-proof chili in 5 steps:
1. On medium heat, cook down veggies for 5 minutes until they’re slightly soft (but not
as soft as your beard)
2. Stir in the spices and meat
3. Add beans and tomatoes – then turn heat to low, walk away, and let the flavors meld
4. Kick back and relax for 30 minutes while your chili simmers and the aroma waffles 
5. Give it a final stir, top with your fave garnishes, and dig in! 
Good for the wallet, mind, body, and beard 

When we’re busy with life or not feeling our best, it’s tough to put together a healthy
meal. But chili can be easy and affordable. And once the ingredients are in, let it do its
thing. Plus, chili is perfect for leftovers – and can even taste better the next day. 
Best of all? It can also give your brain a boost – and nothing says “thank you” to your
body like a bowl of protein and veggies. 
Have you fueled your beard (and made your mouth water) with a homemade meal
lately? Follow us on social and let us know how it turned out! https://chattanoogabeard.co/