Cooking with Tradition: Kent Rollins’ Bison Chili Recipe

Cowboy Culinary Heritage

For Kent Rollins, the American West isn’t just a landscape; it’s a fundamental ingredient of his culinary philosophy. As the star of the Outdoor Channel’s “Cast Iron Cowboy,” Rollins has devoted decades to preserving the art of cowboy cooking. His journey reflects not only a passion for food but also a deep respect for the heritage of the land and its traditions. One of his standout recipes is a hearty bison chili that encapsulates a rich agricultural past, offering both nourishment and a taste of history.

The Power of Bison

In a recent conversation with Fox News Digital, Rollins highlighted the significance of using bison as a protein source. Renowned for being one of the leanest and healthiest meats available, bison offers modern cooks a flavorful alternative without the excess fat that often accompanies traditional beef. “When [the weather] begins to cool off, I begin to have a hankering for chili,” Rollins reported, adding that his version of chili is anything but ordinary.

This specific bison chili is prominently featured in an episode of “Cast Iron Cowboy,” set to enter its second season. Rollins believes that while chili is a quintessential comfort food, using bison elevates it to new heights with nutritious benefits.

Preparation: A Step Back in Time

Rollins starts his chili by browning two pounds of ground bison along with diced yellow onions. The layering of flavors is crucial, and to that end, he incorporates Ro-Tel tomatoes with green chilies, tomato sauce, and jalapeños. He also adds adobo sauce and his own chili seasoning blend, bringing a unique kick to the dish. Perhaps most interestingly, he includes beans to further enhance the protein punch.

“You’re getting an extra push of protein from the beans,” he explained. “But that bison meat is going to give you a lot of protein, a lot of power.” This one-pot meal isn’t just easy to prepare; it also resonates with the historical significance of cowboy life.

The Cowboy Connection

The preparation of bison chili draws on a rich cowboy history. Rollins elaborated: more than a century ago, when cowboys ventured on cattle drives, they rarely ate the longhorns they managed. Instead, spotting a bison would result in it being shot and expertly transformed into a nourishing stew. “This is a frontier cowboy Western heritage meal classic,” he emphasized, noting its centuries-long presence in cowboy culture.

The Nutritional Edge

With its naturally lean profile and low cholesterol, bison meat is making a noteworthy comeback, and for good reason. Rollins has observed a rising demand for bison, which he attributes to its impressive protein content and overall health benefits. Getting bison meat has become easier as it is now available in many grocery stores, and online ranchers offer home delivery, making this wholesome meat accessible to more people.

Embracing Cowboy Cooking

While bison may be more expensive due to various factors like limited supply and higher production costs, the National Bison Association affirms stable prices thanks to growing consumer interest. Rollins points out that despite its frontier flair, cowboy cooking is inclusive; it’s about simplicity and accessibility. He insists that anyone can cook like a cowboy, whether inside, outside, or even on a rooftop.

“Cowboy cooking is for everyone,” he stated. Rollins believes it’s all about the enjoyment of the cooking process and the focus on straightforward, wholesome meals.

The Cast Iron Essential

Integral to Rollins’ culinary success is his use of cast iron cookware. Known for its ability to hold heat effectively, cast iron not only enhances flavors but also allows for more economical cooking. “It holds heat well. So, really, you’re saving money,” Rollins said, highlighting its benefits for simmering dishes like his bison chili.

“Cooking in cast iron always brings out a better flavor,” he added, a principle that has roots in cowboy tradition and continues to resonate in modern kitchens.

Culinary Life Lessons

For Rollins, cooking transcends mere sustenance; it’s a joyous expression of life and heritage. It’s about simplicity—“You can cook anything I ever cooked in my life … it’s all simple and all easy.” This ethos applies not only to his bison chili but to cooking as a whole.

Whether you’re exploring traditional cowboy fare or simply looking for a new recipe to warm your home, Rollins’ bison chili encapsulates a wholesome blend of taste, heritage, and health, making it a perfect fit for any table.