Turkey Chili

Am I the only one that makes casseroles, chili, soups and stews all year round? Sure, they warm your belly in the winter months, but why shouldn’t you make your belly happy all year long? This chili came from my mandatory weeks of softer foods diet. I mean don’t get me wrong, eating ice cream without feeling guilty was fun for a day. But I started wanting something tasty and filling and maybe even a little healthier. Bonus is this is a one pot dish. Less to clean up.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 large red onion, diced
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (Yes, you read that correctly)
• 1 (15 ounce) can black beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans
• 1 (15 ounce) can red kidney beans
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup uncooked brown or white rice (optional)
• 1 cup water

SUGGESTED TOPPINGS:

• cilantro or green onions, diced
• shredded Mexican blend cheese
• sour cream

DIRECTIONS:

1. Over medium high heat, add olive oil to large pot. Cook turkey and onions until turkey is done and onions are tender. Drain any excess oil or liquid.
2. Add remaining ingredients in order of list (red onions, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes… and finally, water.)
3. Stir to mix well. When chili comes to a boil, lower heat to low. Let simmer for 45 minutes. Stir occasionally.
4. When ready to serve, top with cheese, sour cream and green onions or whatever you like to top your chili with.

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Game Day or Any Day Chili

It’s that time of year again. Football season. (I wanted to say Fall, but it’s in the mid 80’s around here and I’m still wearing shorts.) What better way to feed a hungry crowd gathered at your house than with a big pot of flavorful chili. You can omit the ground beef and go meatless, and you won’t miss a thing. Added bonus, only one pot to clean.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 stalks celery, diced
• 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
• 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
• 1 15 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chiles
• 1/4 cup red wine
• 2 tablespoons cumin
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (Yes, dark chocolate chips. Trust me.)
• 1 15 ounce can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 ounce can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup water

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese
• Diced green onions

DIRECTIONS:

1. Cook ground beef over medium high heat. When browned, add onions, celery and corn. Stir and cook for an additional 3 minutes until onions have softened.
2. Add remaining ingredients and stir to mix well. When chili comes to a boil, lower heat to low. Let simmer for an hour.
3. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese and diced green onion and serve.