Black Bean And Pork Chili

Black Bean And Pork Chili… I guess this means it’s football season!

As I write this post, it’s August. It’s the middle of summer. It’s hot and it’s beautiful. So, why am I sitting here thinking of this Black Bean And Pork Chili?

And it’s not just chili, it’s everything fall related. I never ever feel like I’m wishing the days away or wishing for a season to end — I love the change of seasons — except maybe winter once March comes around. But, this week, all I want is chili and soup. And warming foods. Because, well… they really are the best foods…

So, here I am sitting outside on the deck, with the ocean breeze blowing and I’m ready for fall. Well, at least fall food.

Can it possible true that I’ve had enough guacamole and summer tacos?

Hmmm…. maybe it’s because warming spices are what my body needs right now. This is the rule I live by… if it’s healthy and I’m craving it, it must be because I need it. This chili has so many healing spices and seeds and other ingredients in it, so I’m going to go for it even in the middle of summer. If you’re now craving it too, I say go for it. You won’t believe how good this smells when it’s simmering on your stove. I’m in a beach community where you can literally reach out and touch the neighbor’s houses and I bet if I open the door while this chili is cooking, I’ll have lots of guests. Yes, even in August.

I make this chili with bone broth. This makes it extra delicious and extra healing. Read about 5 Reasons You Need To Add Bone Broth To Your Diet. 

You can use any kind of beans you like in this chili, but In Chinese medicine, black foods are known as the best foods to strengthen the body and nourish the blood. We recommend them for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, knee pain and infertility. Black beans have the highest amount of antioxidants of any bean, they are high in fiber and are good for the heart… and they are delicious too!

If you are someone who has digestive issues be sure to download this free copy of my Healthy Digestive ebook now.

Here are some of the awesome healing ingredients in this Black Bean And Pork Chili:

In Chinese medicine, black foods are known as the best foods to strengthen the body and nourish the blood. We recommend them for many people who suffer from chronic lower back pain, knee pain and infertility. Black beans have the highest amount of antioxidants of any bean, they are high in fiber and are good for the heart.

Pork strengthens the digestive system, helps with constipation, and can moisten a dry cough and other dryness in the body. It’s also good to strengthen your qi and give you energy.

Bone broth is one of the most healing foods around. It’s good for digestion, skin, brain power, energy, and inflammation.

Hot peppers contain more vitamin C than any other vegetable and they are good at fighting off the common cold. So, if you like spice, as I do, use a generous amount of whatever hot peppers you like. And feel free to add more chili powders or spicier ones if you’re a spice-a-holic. The main component of hot peppers is capsaicin. Capsaicin actually works with your body and mind to make you feel happy. It’s also good for reducing swelling and can relieve arthritic joint pain. If you have high blood pressure, check with your doctor before eating too many hot peppers because they can actually raise the blood pressure in some people. Use as much or as little hot chili powders as you like in this recipe.

Raw cacao is a superfood. It is packed with magnesium, iron, zinc and other minerals. Not only is it packed with health benefits, but it actually has properties that help the body absorb nutrients better and it’s filled with antioxidants. Cacao can actually be translated as “food of the gods”… Raw cacao can help lower blood pressure, promote healthy heart function, improve digestion, and may even help increase the libido.

Turmeric is actually a Chinese herb (Jiang Huang). It is great for reducing inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from aches and pains in your joints, try turmeric. It can help relieve menstrual pain and some other abdominal pains but, if you are pregnant, ask your doctor before you eat too much turmeric.

Bell peppers help with indigestion. If you are feeling bloated and full from over-eating a lot lately, consuming bell peppers will help reduce this feeling. They are also good for blood circulation and research has shown that they are good for people with a low appetite or anorexia. It used to be common in China to use green pepper tea to soothe indigestion. I used yellow bell peppers in this chili, but you can use whatever color you like.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Kale is everywhere these days. It is extremely nutritious, and because it to so popular you can find it already washed and prepared in lots of markets. Make sure you clean the kale leaves thoroughly and remove the center thick stems if they bother you (I don’t like to eat these think stems). This dark leafy green is a great source of fiber and calcium. It’s also rich in many minerals, including magnesium, iron and potassium. One serving contains 200% of the daily requirements of Vitamin C and 180% of Vitamin A.

In Chinese medicine, we use tomatoes to aid in digestion and to help detoxify the body. They are also good to combat excess cholesterol, lessen inflammation and curb asthma. Tomatoes can also quench thirst, and they can help fight some kidney infections.

Onions are great for your immune system; they are a natural antihistamine. Recently, I recommended that a patient with bronchitis put sliced raw onions in her socks when she went to sleep… she woke up so much better. (I know I’ve told you this before, but it really is awesome!) Onion is a superhero in the food world!