This week, we are back with an unbelievably tasty and easy-to-make Mayan Chili. This dish uses authentic ingredients for pre-Columbian life in Mayan culture, along with the heartiness to make the last few weeks of winter feel like eras away.
We had decided to split Central America into three distinct groups; specifically by the main peoples who lived there. This week, we will be discussing the Mayans, with the next recipe being the Olmec and us ending with the Aztecs. Each culture has their own influences to the history of Central America, even though the foods are very similar.
Let’s talk about Mayan Culture
The Mayan people belong to a rich culture that has stretched throughout the millennia, with their peak between 250 to 1200 c.e. They produced architecturally-stunning structures, detailed hieroglyphs and methods of farming that allowed them to produce a large quantity of ingredients we associate with them, even to today (Maize, Beans, Tomatoes).
Due to a combination of record keeping, the culture still being alive and archaeological records/research; we know that they depended heavily on Maize, Beans and Squash. This also included domesticated animals for food, such as Turkey and Dog. We do have an adventurous palate, however, Turkey is more of our lane.
The Mayan Chili Recipe
Mayan Chili
Ingredients
- 500g Turkey Breast
- 540g Can of Black Beans
- 540g Can of Kidney Beans
- 796ml Can of Diced Tomatoes
- 127ml Can of Diced Green Chilies
- Salt to Taste
Instructions
- Place Turkey breast, diced tomatoes and chilies in Crockpot. Cook on High for 2 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the turkey breast and mix into tomato mixture.
- Add Black and Kidney Beans – Cook on high for 2 hours.
- Once done, serve in bowl and salt if needed. Add sliced Avocado to the top.
Reviews
Meghan’s Review
4 out of 5 stars
I loved this meal so much. From the tenderness of the turkey, to the heartiness of the tomato and beans. My only regret was that we did not add more peppers or any aromatics (Wild Onion, for example). It’s one of the things I plan to remedy going forward by growing our own.
Brad’s Review
4 out of 5 stars
Dinner was amazing! Everything complimented each other really well. But… I am about to say something that you probably won’t see me say again… It could have used more peppers. I think that it would have given it that little extra.
