Paniolo Macadamia Nut and Chipotle Chili

Embark on a bold culinary adventure with this Paniolo Macadamia Nut and Chipotle Chili, a hearty dish inspired by the flavors of Hawaii and the American West. This chili combines the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, the richness of ground beef and crispy bacon, and the buttery crunch of toasted macadamia nuts for a truly unique take on a comfort food classic. Simmered to perfection with black beans, savory spices like smoked paprika and cumin, and brightened with a touch of lime juice and fresh cilantro, this recipe creates a harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors. Perfect for game day, cozy dinners, or potlucks, this chili is finished with optional cheddar cheese and sour cream, making it as versatile as it is delicious. Ready in just over an hour, this fusion crowd-pleaser will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:50 mins

Total Time:70 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 cup macadamia nuts
• 1 pound ground beef
• 6 slices bacon
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 3 cloves garlic cloves
• 2 peppers chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 15 ounces black beans
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 0 optional shredded cheddar cheese (for serving)
• 0 optional sour cream (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble the bacon, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the pan.

Step 2

Add the macadamia nuts to the skillet and toast them lightly in the bacon grease for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. Set aside for later use.

Step 3

In the same skillet, add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat until fully browned. Drain off any excess fat and set the beef aside on a plate.

Step 4

Lower the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 5

Add the minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 6

Chop the chipotle peppers and add them to the skillet along with the diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.

Step 7

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, followed by the crumbled bacon and black beans (drained and rinsed). Stir well.

Step 8

Mix in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and brown sugar. Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 9

As the chili simmers, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more chipotle peppers or chili powder for extra heat, or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Step 10

Once the chili has thickened to your desired consistency, stir in the toasted macadamia nuts, fresh cilantro, and lime juice.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream if desired. Enjoy this unique Hawaiian-cowboy fusion chili!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2007.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3013.8

Total Fat 218.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 63.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.9g
Cholesterol 393.6mg	0%
Sodium 7360.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 145.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 53.4g	0%
Total Sugars 38.8g
Protein 145.0g	0%

Vitamin D 23.7IU	0%
Calcium 819.5mg	0%
Iron 26.4mg	0%
Potassium 3570.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 62.9%

Protein: 18.5%

Carbs: 18.6%