When I was growing up in the 50's, my family never had much money. Beans were in *lots* of things in one form or another. I never ate chili without beans, ever, so Pepper Belly, I can relate to that.
With all the health issues I have now, lots of meat is what I want, but can't have. I've learned to go back to the beans in everything. It's weird, but after awhile, they stop messing with you. Being forced to eat healthy has opened new doors for me. I'm finding foods that are pretty damn good that I've always made fun of before.
This ought to gag a few.....I make chili now with *soy* meat. It looks like burger and when I'm done adding the spices, you can't taste it if it were meat. It just looks good. The flavor is still there.
Oh god, I'm gonna get smashed by the meat people......YIKES!