Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Low Sodium Slow Cooker Chili?
Hearty Low Sodium Slow Cooker Chili is a nutritious meal featuring lean beef and fiber-rich beans, cooked slowly to meld spices with minimal sodium.
Is this recipe low in sodium?
Yes, this recipe is specifically designed to be low in sodium, containing only 50mg per serving.
How many calories are in a serving of this chili?
There are approximately 250 calories per serving.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of lean ground beef.
Can I use a different meat besides beef?
While the recipe calls for lean ground beef, you could substitute it with lean ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
What types of beans are included in the chili?
The recipe includes low-sodium garbanzo beans and low-sodium black beans.
How long does it take to cook in the slow cooker?
It cooks for 4 hours in the slow cooker on the high setting.
What setting should I use on my slow cooker?
The slow cooker should be set to High for 4 hours.
Do I need to brown the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, the instructions recommend browning the beef with diced onions in a wok or large pan before adding it to the slow cooker.
What size slow cooker is needed for this recipe?
A 6-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
Can I cook this chili on a stovetop instead?
While designed for a slow cooker, you could simmer it on low heat on the stove after browning the meat, though the slow cooker is best for flavor development.
How much protein is in one serving of this chili?
Each serving contains 20g of protein.
Is this recipe considered high in fiber?
Yes, the recipe uses fiber-rich ingredients like black beans and garbanzo beans, making it a high-fiber meal.
What specific spices are used to flavor this low sodium chili?
The flavor comes from chipotle pepper, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, garlic powder, and ground coriander.
Is there really cinnamon in this chili?
Yes, 4 tablespoons of cinnamon are used to add depth to the flavor profile.
What is the exact sodium content per serving?
The sodium content is very low at 50mg per serving.
Can I serve this chili with rice?
Yes, serving it over rice is a great way to make it a complete meal.
What other side dishes go well with this recipe?
Baked potatoes are another excellent side dish that complements this chili.
How should I prepare the canned tomatoes?
The 28-ounce can of low-sodium tomatoes should be pureed with minced garlic until smooth before being added to the slow cooker.
What type of onion is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one medium yellow onion, diced.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is perfect for health-conscious families looking for a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Can I use regular tomato soup if I cannot find low-sodium?
Using regular tomato soup will significantly increase the sodium content; low-sodium is recommended to keep the dish heart-healthy.
What is the total fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 8g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to drain the beans before adding them?
Yes, both the garbanzo and black beans should be drained before being added to the slow cooker.
What should I use to sauté the onions?
Use a tablespoon of oil over medium heat to sauté the onions until translucent.
How much garlic is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of minced garlic for the tomato puree and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder in the meat mixture.
Is this chili spicy?
It has a mild kick from the 1 teaspoon of ground chipotle pepper, but the spices are balanced for a savory profile.
Can I freeze the leftover chili?
Yes, this chili freezes well when stored in an airtight container for future meals.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 13 main ingredients used in this recipe, including the meat, beans, liquids, and various spices.