Turkey Chili

This is a great chili recipe, and a reminder that many of the things that we used to do with beef can be done with turkey or chicken (which are both much much lower in fat).  This recipe is tasty and can be made as spicy or mild as you want.  This week, I browned the onions and the meat last night, and measured out the spices, did the other chopping and got everything piled into one corner of the fridge so that this morning, I just dumped everything into the slow cooker. This chili can be made in about 45 minutes, or, to let the flavors develop more, in the slow cooker. I love this version.  And, again, we just finished off the meal with a green salad, some low-fat shredded cheddar, and some low-fat sour cream (well, for me - not for Robert).

From DH:

Turkey Chili


1/2 Tbsp canola oil
1/2 cup chopped onion (red or yellow)
2 medium garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp dried oregano, crumbled
(to taste) chopped jalapeno, anaheim peppers, poblano peppers, etc.
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
1 lb lean ground turkey breast
14.5-ounce can no-salt-added diced tomato
8-oz can no-salt-added tomato sauce
1 cup low-fat low-sodium chicken broth
15-oz can no-salt-added kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1. In a medium nonstick saucepan heat the oil over medium heat.  Cook the onion and garlic for about 2 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

2. Stir in the cumin, oregano, chopped pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

3.  Increase the heat to medium high. Stir in the turkey. Cook for 2-4 minutes, or until browned on the outside, stirring frequently.

4. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, still over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced by about one-third.

Slow-cooker version:

Brown the onions, garlic, and turkey.  Place all ingredients except kidney beans in the slow cooker, on low, for 7-8 hours.  About 45 minutes before serving, rinse the kidney beans and add to the slow-cooker (earlier if you like your beans a little squishier).