Description
This hearty turkey chili is packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. Perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more as needed)
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped, about 1 cup)
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- To taste salt and black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder (partially or fully substitute ground paprika for milder chili)
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin (or less to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (or Worcestershire sauce or both)
- 1½ cups chicken broth (use 1 cup if you prefer a very thick chili)
- 1 medium sweet potato (peeled and diced small)
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- To taste chopped cilantro, sour cream, avocado, chopped red onion, extra lime juice, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Build the Base: Heat oil in a large pot over medium. Sauté onions for 6–8 minutes until golden.
- Season & Brown: Add turkey, salt, and pepper. Let it sit undisturbed for 2 minutes before stirring. Once no longer pink and liquid pools, blot it away with paper towels. Add a splash more oil if needed and cook until the meat is well-browned.
- First Deglaze: Pour in ⅓ cup water. Scrape up all the browned bits from the bottom so they coat the meat.
- Bloom Aromatics: Lower heat to medium. Add garlic, tomato paste, spices, and cocoa/Worcestershire. Stir constantly for 30–90 seconds until fragrant and darkened.
- Simmer: Add broth and scrape the pot again. Stir in sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and beans. Simmer covered for 30–90 minutes until potatoes are tender (the longer the better).
- Finish: Uncover and simmer 5–10 minutes to thicken. Stir in lime juice and vinegar. Adjust salt and lime to taste, then let rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- Note 1: The measurement for the onion can vary but is about 1 cup finely chopped.
- Note 2: Lean ground turkey is preferred for less fat.
- Note 3: Cooking time may vary depending on the desired doneness of the onions.
- Note 4: Blotting the meat ensures that it browns well.
- Note 5: Blooming the spices enhances the flavor significantly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg