This bison chili is a wonderful gut-healing recipe for those that want a healthy and easy-to-digest meal. The base of this recipe is from tomatillos, a member of the cactus family that combines well with meat, and is easier to digest than traditional tomato-based versions. This is one of the best ground bison recipes, a winner in our book!
About Gut Health
A year and a half ago I started The Body Ecology Diet after re-reading the book. I had a lot of digestive issues after being 100% plant-based for almost 10 years. To say the least, it was a very awkward transition, and still can be at times. Since then, there has been a huge shift in my gut health and digestive system, and after a year and a half, I am finally seeing the results.
At the end of my plant-based journey, I was very anemic and craving red meat. Queue in bison, which has all of the red meat benefits without the high cholesterol content. So I’m loving ground bison recipes as I heal!
I have been shy to share this part of my lifestyle with the world, but it has healed me in many ways. My hormones are starting to balance out finally, and my gut health is starting to thrive.
If you are on a path to healing your gut health, or just interested in healthy bison recipes, I hope you find this bison chili warm, delicious, healing, and easily digestible.
About Bison
If you are here today reading this, I assume you have no problem eating meat. I personally believe in buying meat from a local, and sustainable source when I can. Here in the Southern California area, we have two trusted sources: Buy Ranch Direct and Dale Ranch. Bison has been my go-to as it is a leaner red meat, and my digestive system handles it really well.
Gut Healing Bison Chili
Ingredients
Ground bison: I like to buy grass-fed and sustainably raised for my ground bison recipes. Ground beef or turkey could be used as a substitute, choose the highest quality you have access to in your area.
Bone broth: I usually used homemade bone broth, but if you don’t have any on hand sore-bought works. Vegetable broth works well too.
Onion and garlic: I recommend fresh for both to get the best healing and flavor.
Red peppers and carrots: These are both usually easily digested veggies, but feel free to exchange them for others to suit your own needs!
Tomatillos: Also called Mexican husk tomatoes, these are really delicious and often easier to digest than red tomatoes. You might recognize them as the main ingredient in salsa verde, and they are actually wonderful to grow in your garden too.
Avocado oil: This is my choice of oil to saute with, its flavor goes particularly well with this dish, and it has healthy fats. Any other healthy and mild flavored oil would work well as a substitute.
Recipe
In a large pot, use avocado oil to saute the onions, garlic, peppers, and carrots on medium heat until they are fragrant and softened.
Add the ground bison to the pot and cook it with the vegetables until it browns.
Next, add the tomatillos, bone broth, lime juice, herbs, and spices to the pot. Bring to a simmer for 45 minutes or so.
Once everything is cooked through to the texture you prefer, not only will your house feel so warm and smell amazing, you will only be 10 cooling minutes away from eating this delicious bison chili!
Allow to cool with the lid off, and serve it topped with avocado slices, cilantro, lime juice, and a side of cauliflower rice if desired.
Enjoy this warm, healing, flavorful, and delicious chili!
How to Eat Bison Chili
Fill a bowlful of this warming chili on a cold evening, wrap the bowl in a towel, and find some natural or low light and a comfy spot to relax, eat, and digest.
I like to digest with some light yoga or a short walk, there’s nothing quite like some healing food, deep breaths of fresh air, and body movement to help your body know what to do to take care of you.
Each bowl of this bison chili can be topped with garnishes that fit your mood, I like avocado and cilantro. When I have it ready and available, I eat cauliflower rice alongside this dish. Cauliflower is also simple to digest, and it really compliments all of the lovely flavors of this chili.
I hope you love it!
Try these recipes for more warmth and healing:
- Nourishing Bone Broth
- Lemongrass Infused Butternut Squash Soup
- Creamy Cauliflower and Sunflower Seed Blended Soup
- Reishi Mushroom Ramen Bowl
Gut Healing Bison Chili
This bison chili with tomatillos is a wonderful gut-healing recipe for those that want an easy-to-make, healthy, and easy-to-digest meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb organic grass-fed ground bison
- (can use ground turkey or beef if preferred)
- 2 cups organic bone broth, or organic vegetable broth
- 1 chopped onion
- 6-8 garlic cloves
- 3 chopped red peppers
- 3 chopped carrots
- Juice of 1 lime
- 10 chopped tomatillos
- Chili powder to taste
- Cumin to taste
- Cilantro to taste
- Cayenne pepper to taste
- Avocado oil for sauteing
- Cauliflower rice (optional)
Instructions
- Sautee onions, garlic, and peppers, and carrots in a large pot with avocado oil.
- Add ground bison to the pot with the vegetables and cook until browned.
- Add tomatillos, bone broth, lime juice, herbs, and spices to the pot. Bring to a simmer for 45 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool, uncovered for 10 minutes.
- Feel free to serve it with cauliflower rice or your favorite side.
- Top with fresh cilantro, avocado & lime juice if desired.
- Enjoy!