Wapiti Chili

Wapiti, an old Indian word meaning "White Rump," in reference to the rear end of an Elk. Bet you didn't know that?! Well, at least that's what my dad as always told me!
We weren't lucky enough to "harvest" (I'll be pc) an Elk this year, but we were lucky enough to know someone who did! Elk meat is very low in fat and cholesterol, and when you take them from the wild you know they're not pumped full of growth hormones or chemicals. 


Even if you aren't a hunter, there are Elk farms that raise them just like beef cattle, and many are organic so you can come close to getting the "real deal." I am just going to go ahead and tell you, I think Elk is better than beef! I grew up on wild game and I would chose elk, deer, moose, antelope, caribou, you name it over beef any day! But, that's just me...



Wapiti Chili


2 lbs. ground Elk 
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 whole white onion, chopped
3 cups of "chili" beans, like Great Northern, Pinto, Black Beans, etc...Just use at least 2 varieties.
2 cups diced tomatoes
Handful of diced green chilles
1 cup whole corn
2 cloves garlic
2 tsp pepper ( or else if you don't like it so "peppy")
1 tsp salt
1 tsp oregano

 In a cast iron skillet, brown the Elk with the garlic and onions in olive oil. 
Add to a large cook pot-  beans, tomatoes, green chilles, corn and cook on medium heat while meat browns.
Once the meat is done, add to the cook pot and simmer on low.
Add the spices and stir until well combined. 
Let the pot simmer for at least 15 minutes before serving. 


I hope you enjoy! It's nothin' fancy, but I hope I at least got you thinking about trying Elk meat!