Malt Liquor Chili
Malt Liquor Chili is a hearty, slow-cooked stew that uses malt liquor (a strong, inexpensive beer) as a braising liquid for beef and beans. It's a staple of American comfort food, particularly popular in the Midwest and South, where it's often served at potlucks and casual gatherings. The dish typically includes ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, onions, and a blend of chili spices, with the malt liquor adding a deep, slightly sweet and malty complexity.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is generally high in protein from the beef and beans, and can be moderately high in fat depending on the cut of meat used. It provides significant fiber, iron, and B vitamins, with a rough calorie estimate of 350-450 per hearty serving, making it a substantial meal.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Carbs | 20 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Sodium | 850 mg |
| Iron | 4.5 mg |
| Potassium | 550 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 2.8 mcg |
| Zinc | 5.0 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.6 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.0 mg |
| Phosphorus | 250 mg |
| Magnesium | 45 mg |
Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, using malt liquor is a resourceful twist on traditional chili, often associated with budget-friendly, communal cooking. Nutritionally, the alcohol mostly cooks off during the long simmer, leaving behind flavor compounds that can enhance the savory profile without adding significant alcohol content.
