Crane Breast Chili
Hearty and flavorful chili featuring tender meat, rich tomato base, and aromatic spices, perfect for warming gatherings and satisfying meat lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 can (46 oz.) tomato juice ⓘ
- 2 cans (29 oz.) chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 3 onions, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. pinto beans ⓘ
- 2 green peppers, chopped ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 3 crane breast halves, chopped in food chopper or 2.5 lb. venison, elk, or beef, ground ⓘ
- 1/2 cup medium hot chili powder ⓘ
- 4 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1 1/2 tsp. Accent ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash beans and soak overnight in water 2 inches above beans. Simmer, covered, until tender.
- Add tomato juice and chopped tomatoes. Simmer for 30 minutes.
- Saute green peppers and onions in oil.
- Add the sautéed green peppers and onions to the beans.
- Saute the chopped crane breast halves or ground meat and add to the beans.
- Add spices (garlic powder, chili powder, salt, pepper, cumin, Accent) and simmer for 2 hours.
- Remove lid and simmer for an additional 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked paprika or adding a dash of hot sauce. If crane is unavailable, substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Pre-soaking the beans is crucial for tenderness, but canned beans can be used for a quicker option. Adjust the chili powder to your spice preference, and feel free to add some chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crane Breast Chili hot, garnished with fresh parsley or diced green onions. It pairs beautifully with Cucumber And Carrot Relish or crusty bread for dipping. A side of Mom'S Peach Pie With Self-Crust can make a delightful dessert to round out the meal. Consider serving with tortilla chips for added texture.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crane Breast Chili contains roughly 595 calories, with 28g protein, 87g carbohydrates, and 26g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value), and calcium (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 868mg per serving (38% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of meat in this chili?
Absolutely! While crane breast gives a unique flavor, you can easily substitute it with ground venison, beef, or even turkey for a lighter option. Just ensure to adjust cooking times based on the meat's fat content.
How can I make this chili spicier?
To increase the heat, add more medium hot chili powder or include diced jalapeños or serrano peppers. You can also mix in a few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to achieve your desired spice level.
What can I serve with this chili?
This chili goes well with cornbread, rice, or a simple green salad. You can also top it with shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado for added flavor and creaminess. Grilled Ranch Steaks can complement the meal nicely if you're looking for heartier sides.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).