Hip Hip Horray today is National Bean Day!

GAME DAY CHILI

Hip hip horray – today is National Bean Day! Folks celebrate this annual foodie “holiday” every January 6th. While the origins of this particular holiday are unknown, some believe the day commemorates the death of Gregor Mendel on January 6th, 1884. Mendel used bean plants to test his theories on heredity.

And did you know North Dakota grows the most beans in the United States? Whether you prefer green, yellow, white, red or black, beans come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors and flavors. And make no beans about it. Beans not only taste good, but beans are one of nature's most healthy foods and soybeans are especially good for you. They are high in protein, low in fat and provide important nutrients including amino acids, fiber, iron and calcium.

Adding soybeans to your favorite recipe can give your recipe a new twist. At the National Soybean Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois, we do extensive work with soy foods and incorporate soy in domestic and international recipes. In 2012, we will be showcasing soy foods using our collection of well-tested and extremely delicious recipes. Let us know what you think.

In honor of National Bean Day, the first recipe we are highlighting this year is our award winning Game Day Chili. This recipe is an adaptation from the Game Day Chili Recipe featured in the NSRL Cookbook: Textured Soy Protein in the Kitchen. Adobo chilies are the ingredient that gives this chili a smokey flavor and made it a first place winner in a chili cookoff contest.

Seasonings:

2 Tbsp. ground cumin

2 Tbsp. chili powder

1 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

1-1/2 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. dried oregano

1 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

1 large onion, chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

1-1/2 cups tomato juice

3 cups vegetable or beef broth

1-1/4 cups dry textured soy protein

1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes

2 15-oz. cans black beans, rinsed and drained

2 15-oz. cans kidney beans, rinsed & drained

2 chipotle chilies in adobo sauce (from can), chopped

Condiments (optional): grated cheese, chopped onions, diced avocado, sliced black olives

1.Mix all the seasonings in a small bowl. Set aside.

2.Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden. Add garlic, bell pepper, and seasoning mixture and sauté for another minute.

3.Add the remaining ingredients (except condiments) and mix well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors blend.

4.Serve with the optional condiments, if desired.

Makes 8 servings (1 ½ cups each)

Nutritional Information: per serving: 310 calories, 22 g protein, 46 g carbohydrate, 6 g fat (0.5 g saturated), 17 g fiber

Happy Bean Day!

Marilyn Nash