Spicy Chili
Enjoy the traditional flavors of classic chili, using ground turkey for a healthier option.
Table of Contents
Chili is an American staple, filed for many, under the category of “comfort foods.” It’s been around a long time and has an interesting, though debated, history. It is widely believed to have emerged in Texas, in the American Southwest. Chili con carne, or “chili with meat,” became a staple among cowboys and pioneers seeking to prepare meals that could be cooked over an open fire. Drawing from traditions, the dish incorporates ingredients like chili peppers, tomatoes, and an array of spices.
One of my favorite things about chili is its incredible versatility. Don’t like cumin? Leave it out. Prefer fresh chili peppers instead of chili powder? No problem. This is an easy recipe to tweak, and chili is a forgiving dish.
Chili is one of the first meals I made when I moved out on my own. I, of course, asked for mom’s recipe. Before I knew it, I had altered it so much that my mom and I now had completely different chili recipes. I still make chili at least monthly for my family or dinner guests. Some people refuse to make it in the warmer months and save it as a fall and winter treat – but I’m a big enough fan that chili is made all year round.
Is Spicy Chili Healthy?
Spicy chili, made with ground turkey, offers a wholesome variation of traditional chili. It combines the comforts of classic chili with the health benefits of turkey. Turkey has a lower fat content compared to ground beef, making it a favorable selection for individuals aiming for a healthy diet without compromising on taste. It is also packed with nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, and zinc that promote health and vitality. Turkey also delivers high-quality protein crucial for muscle recovery and development – making it an ideal component for those leading active lifestyles.
While this recipe is not vegetarian-friendly, you could leave out the ground turkey and replace it with more kidney beans or black beans. Both types of beans are rich in protein and iron.
What is cumin?
Cumin isn’t the most common spice found in people’s spice cabinets, so you may be wondering what it is. It’s a spice derived from the dried seeds of the Cuminum cyminum plant, and it offers a warm, nutty and slightly citrusy taste to dishes, making it a versatile addition. It is commonly used in Mexican, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisine.
When cooking with cumin you can opt for either seeds or ground powder. Toasting seeds in a dry pan enhances their essence before incorporating them into dishes. Ground cumin is ideal for seasoning meats, vegetables, soups, stews and (of course) chili.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 (15-ounce) cans of kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Brown
Cook turkey until browned.
Sauté
Add vegetables and sauté.
Spice
Season with spices.
Simmer
Combine all and simmer.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Chili is my favorite thing to make ahead and store. It truly gets better each day as the spices and flavors continue to meld together. To store spicy chili, place the leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to five days. You can freeze the chili in an airtight container for up to six months.
It is easy to reheat spicy chili, and it is so helpful when you need a quick meal. Place the chili in a pot over low to medium heat on the stove. Stir often until warm. You can also place the chili in a crock-pot and heat on low for about six hours or until hot.
This chili is called “spicy chili” for a reason – it’s spicy. Still, as mentioned, chili is one of the easiest recipes to alter to your own tastes. To make spicy chili milder, lessen the spices, including chili powder and cayenne pepper. You can even leave the cayenne pepper out completely. You can also add a tablespoon or two of raw sugar to cool down the spice.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to enjoy spicy chili with ground turkey. One classic method is to serve it in a bowl with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yoghurt, diced onions, and fresh cilantro. Avocado slices are a great complement to contrast to the heat of the chili, while a splash of lime juice can add zest.
I enjoy chili as a topping for Herb-Roasted Potatoes or Crock-Pot Sweet Potatoes. The sweet potatoes especially, add a sweet base for the spicy chili. You can also use spicy chili as a filling for tacos and burritos. Looking to add some oomph to salads? Try serving the chili on a bed of greens like this Balsamic Grilled Vegetable Salad for a side full of protein and fiber.
Spicy Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 15 ounce cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 28 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 large onion diced
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the onion, red bell pepper, and garlic to the pot with the turkey and sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Mix in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook, covered, for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Nutrition
The post Spicy Chili appeared first on Food Faith Fitness.
