By Susie Timm, Chief Operating Foodie

Were you aware of the health benefits of bison? It contains a high proportion of protein and minerals in relation to its calorie content, and is a great source of iron, zinc, phosphorus, niacin, vitamin B6 and B12. In addition, bison graze on grass and are not fed commercial feed or grains. Bison also have a lower fat content than beef or pork. (http://health.families.com/blog/nutrition-101-health-benefits-of-bison)

So if you’d like to introduce bison into your cooking, this chili recipe is a great place to start!

INGREDIENTS:

1lb ground buffalo/bison
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion cut into large chunks
1 TBS Olive Oil
2 cans no salt added diced tomatoes
1 can no salt added tomato sauce
1 can reduced sodium chicken broth
1 TBS dehydrated onion
2 TBS Chili Powder
2 TBS Ground Cumin
Red Pepper Flakes to taste
Kosher Salt to taste
Ground black pepper to taste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp paprika
3 shakes garlic powder
3 shakes onion powder

DIRECTIONS:
In a large frying pan, heat on medium high and then add 1/2 TBS of olive oil. Add bison meat and dehydrated onion, 1 TBS chili powder, 1 TBS Cumin, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Cook until completely brown. Drain excess fat from pan (there will be a tiny amount).

In a large soup pot, heat on medium and then add the remaining 1/2 TBS of olive oil. Add fresh garlic and onion and saute until soft. Add chicken broth, 1 TBS chili powder, 1 TBS Cumin, oregano, basil, paprika, garlic and onion powder. Combine and taste. Add salt, pepper and red pepper flakes to taste.

Add tomatoes and tomato sauce. Combine thoroughly until heated through. Adjust salt, pepper and red pepper to taste. Add bison meat and mix well—take care not to break up tomato chunks.

Bring to a boil, adjust all seasonings to taste. Reduce to simmer. Simmer for 30 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Serve with cheese, sour cream or other desired toppings.