Quick & (Not So) Dirty Turkey Chili

Guys, it’s been one of those weeks in the SOC Kitchen. And, it’s only Tuesday. 😯 You know what I’m talking about, right? Those weeks where despite your best attempt at sailing on through, you are getting rocked and tossed around to the point of almost falling off your little boat? Yep. That said, it just seems fitting that we are featuring our Quick & (Not So) Dirty Turkey Chili! Rich in smoky flavor, hearty, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Heck, if you really don’t feel up to cooking you can just throw it all in the crockpot!

Chili is the ultimate comfort food and balanced meal all in one. Rich, warming spices and a wide array of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (body protective compounds). We upgraded this recipe to include over 20 grams of lean protein and 8 grams of fiber per serving to keep you full and satisfied for hours. 

To get started, get your chopping out of the way – that’s the garlic, onion, and bell pepper. 

Next, begin sautéing garlic and onions in olive oil in a large soup pot. 

Once they begin looking like this, 

Add ground turkey; break into small pieces as it cooks. 

Once turkey is cooked (no visible pink) add tomatoes,

and peppers, 

and sauté for several minutes. 

Next, add seasonings and broth and bring to a light simmer. 

Once veggies are tender, remove from heat and add beans.

It’s time to eat!

Nutrition Notes: This recipe is rich in both animal and plant protein. Don’t do animal? Replace turkey with quinoa. Cooked tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful carotenoid and phytochemical that fights free radicals, premature skin aging, is protective for the heart, and may aid in the prevention of Alzheimer’s. Beans are rich in soluble fiber (supports healthy cholesterol levels) and insoluble fiber (gets the gut moving).  

Ingredients

2 tbsp extra vigin olive oil 

1 lb extra lean ground turkey

1 medium yellow onion, diced

2 bell peppers, any color, diced

2 cans roasted tomatoes, drained

4 cups low sodium broth

2 cans beans, any variety, rinsed and drained

3/4 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground pepper

1-1 1/2 tbsp chili powder

1/8 tsp smoked paprika

Cayenne powder, to taste (optional)

Directions

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil on medium in a large pot. Cook ground turkey, breaking into small pieces as it browns. Remove and set aside. Using the same pot, heat other tablespoon olive oil over medium. Sauté onions and bell peppers with salt and pepper for 3-4 minutes or until slightly tender. Add tomatoes and sauté for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add broth and seasonings and bring heat up to a light simmer; simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until chili thickens and is fragrant. Reduce heat and add beans. Test flavor and adjust seasonings accordingly. 

The chili is now done but just like a fine wine, gets better with time. We recommend making a day before you plan on eating it.