Simple Low Sodium Chili
Enjoy a comforting and easy-to-make chili tailored for kidney health that’s flavorful and friendly for low-salt diets. Perfect for those new to cooking, this recipe supports your well-being without compromising on taste.
As someone whose parents were diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), I deeply understand the challenges of maintaining a kidney-friendly diet. With over 25 years of experience as a Registered Dietitian, I've dedicated myself to crafting recipes that cater to these dietary needs. This renal diet chili recipe combines evidence-based practices and personal expertise, ensuring that you not only enjoy a flavorful meal but also adhere to current guidelines for managing CKD. Through carefully selected ingredients, such as no salt added tomato sauce and kidney beans, it aligns with trusted standards, offering a practical and delicious solution for your dietary requirements.
This low salt chili with beans recipe aligns well with a Chronic Kidney Disease diet due to its mindful selection of ingredients that are low in sodium and potassium. By using no salt added tomato sauce and kidney beans, and replacing regular broth with a low sodium version, this dish helps manage fluid retention and blood pressure, critical concerns for those with kidney issues. The spices enhance flavor without adding unnecessary salt, making it both a delicious and health-conscious choice.
I love this time of year when we are making soups and stews that are kidney friendly again! I have some options for side dishes for this recipe, like our low sodium cornbread or the peas and carrots we have. You might also enjoy another soup recipe like our low sodium beef barley soup.
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Ingredients in Chili Recipe for Kidney Patients
This heart-healthy chili recipe combines fresh vegetables, lean ground beef, and a fragrant blend of spices to create a flavorful and satisfying dish without the extra salt.
- Onions: Chopped onions add a savory depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Green Pepper: Chopped green peppers bring a fresh and slightly tangy flavor, adding texture and color to the recipe.
- Celery: Diced celery provides a crisp texture and a subtle, earthy taste that complements the other vegetables.
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, olive oil adds a smooth, rich flavor and helps in blending the ingredients together.
- Ground Beef: Lean ground beef serves as the hearty, protein-packed base, contributing richness and substance to the dish.
- Tomato Sauce: No salt added tomato sauce brings a robust, tangy flavor while allowing you to control the salt content in the recipe.
- Kidney Beans: These beans add a creamy texture and are a great source of fiber, giving the dish additional nutritional value especially after being drained and rinsed.
- Chili Powder: This spice provides a warm, smoky heat and is essential for giving the dish its signature chili flavor.
- Cumin: Cumin introduces a hint of earthiness and a slightly nutty, peppery aroma, enhancing the overall spice profile.
- Smoked Paprika: With its sweet, smoky flavor, smoked paprika adds depth and a vibrant color to the dish.
- Beef Broth: Low sodium beef broth acts as a savory liquid base, enhancing the meat's flavor while keeping the dish lower in salt.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Low Sodium Chili
Get ready to make a deliciously hearty and low-sodium chili that’s sure to satisfy! Follow these simple steps and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl in just a few easy moves.
- Heat large stockpot or dutch oven on medium heat. Add oil, onion, celery and pepper. Cook until tender but not browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces and cook until brown. Drain fat from meat mixture before continuing.
- Add tomato sauce, beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and beef broth. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer, then turn heat to low.
- Simmer covered for 60-75 minutes.
- Each serving is 1 cup, makes 5 cups of chili.
Hint: Flavor Boost: To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of vinegar or lime juice before serving. This will add a touch of acidity that brightens the dish.
Variations for Easy Low Sodium Chili Recipe
Creating a delicious and heart-healthy no salt chili doesn't have to be a challenge. This classic dish can be adapted to suit various dietary needs, including those following a kidney-friendly diet. Below are some creative and CKD-friendly variations of a low sodium chili recipe that you can enjoy while keeping an eye on your health.
- Low Sodium Chili with Turkey: Substitute the lean ground beef with ground turkey to reduce saturated fat content. Turkey provides a leaner protein option, making it ideal for those watching their heart health.
- Vegetarian Low Sodium Chili: Skip the meat altogether and add more vegetables like zucchini, carrots, and butternut squash. This not only lowers the potassium content but also makes the dish lighter and packed with vitamins.
With these variations, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of chili without compromising your health requirements. Adjust the spices to your taste, and feel free to get creative with additional veggies or lean meats to make this recipe truly yours.
Storage Tips for Low Sodium Chili with Beans
When you're in search of a hearty and heart-healthy chili, this low sodium recipe is an excellent choice. It's flavorful and easy to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy a comforting dish without worrying about excess salt.
- Refrigeration: Once the chili has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: For longer storage, the chili can be frozen. Divide the cooled chili into single serving sizes and place them in airtight freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label them with the date for easy tracking. The chili can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
These storage tips ensure that your low sodium chili stays fresh and ready for whenever you crave a nutritious and satisfying meal.
Top Tip
Consider Alternative Proteins: Combine beans for a vegetarian option or to just switch up your choice of legumes.
FAQs for Low Sodium Homemade Chili
Yes, you can substitute No Salt Added Kidney Beans with other low sodium bean options that you prefer, such as black beans or pinto beans. Just make sure to drain and rinse the beans before adding them to the chili.
This recipe focuses on heart health by using lean ground beef, a generous amount of vegetables, and no added salt to reduce sodium content. It incorporates No Salt Added Tomato Sauce and Kidney Beans, making it suitable for those monitoring their sodium intake. Additionally, using olive oil instead of butter or other fats can promote cardiovascular health.
Soups For Chronic Kidney Disease
Looking for other recipes like this no salt added chili? Try these:
Pairing with Low Potassium Chili
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Low Sodium Chili:
If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
Recipe
Low Sodium Chili Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Stockpot
Ingredients
- ½ cup chopped onions
- ½ cup chopped green pepper
- ½ cup diced celery
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 16 ounces lean 95% ground beef
- 15 ounce can No Salt Added Tomato Sauce
- 15.5 ounce can No Salt Added Kidney Beans drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups low sodium beef broth
Instructions
- Heat large stockpot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Add oil, onion, celery and pepper. Cook until tender but not browned, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add ground beef, breaking into small pieces and cook until brown. Drain fat from meat mixture before continuing.
- Add tomato sauce, beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika and beef broth. Mix thoroughly and bring to a simmer, then turn heat to low.
- Simmer covered for 60-75 minutes.
- Each serving is 1 cup, makes 5 cups of chili.
I like beans in my chili can you have them with kidney disease
I loved your Chili, I made it today. It was exceptionally good. I tried to order you monthly diet meal plan but I don't think it went thru. I'll try again tomorrow. Thank you Shirley