Sweet, Savory, and Spicy White Bean Turkey Chili

15m
Prep Time
1-3h
Cook Time
1h 15m
Ready In


"I love chili, and this is really one of my favorites. A lot of the traditional ingredients, but a few surprises like cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and apple cider really make this a nice comforting chili. Add the typical toppings - such as avocado, sour cream, cheese; even olives and scallions. I admit, there are lots of ingredients, but it isn't difficult and it makes a big pot."

Original is 8 servings
  • Garnish (use any that you like)

Nutritional

  • Serving Size: 1 (350 g)
  • Calories 369.4
  • Total Fat - 8.1 g
  • Saturated Fat - 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol - 31.2 mg
  • Sodium - 384.2 mg
  • Total Carbohydrate - 54.2 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 12 g
  • Sugars - 5.4 g
  • Protein - 22.1 g
  • Calcium - 76.7 mg
  • Iron - 4.3 mg
  • Vitamin C - 22 mg
  • Thiamin - 0.3 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Base ... In a large pot, add 1/2 of the olive oil and all the vegetables (onion, celery, peppers, and garlic) along with the red pepper flakes; cook on medium high heat for 2-3 minutes. Then add in the rest of the oil and turkey; breaking up the turkey as it cooks. Cook on medium heat until the vegetables are tender and the turkey is no longer pink.

Step 2

Chili ... Add in the tomatoes, broth, apple cider, beans, green chilies, corn, bay leaves, and seasoning (except the fresh cilantro, lime, and hot sauce); bring to a boil, and check for seasoning. You should really simmer a bit before adding any additional seasoning - as it simmers the flavors intensify and change. After a hour, check again for seasoning. You can add more cumin, cinnamon, salt or pepper; depending on the flavor you like. After another hour, check again for seasoning. Simmer anywhere from 1-3 hours. The more it simmers and rests, the better the flavor.

Step 3

Finish ... Right before serving, add in the lime juice and cilantro and prepare any garnishes you like.

Step 4

Serve ... I like sour cream, avocado, cheese and lime wedges. But olives are also really good. Corn or tortilla chips are also fun if you don't like corn bread - or try Sarasota's Sweet Cornbread with my Jalapeno Lime Butter (both posted on Zazz), that is my favorite. Just ladle in a big bowl, top and ENJOY!

Tips


No special items needed.

Editorial Notes

The ingredient tips, suggestions, variations, facts, questions and answers below are not edits to the original author's recipe. They are not meant to imply any change would improve the recipe. They're offered for convenience, alternative ideas, and points of interest. If you have any comments about them, please post in the Help & Ideas forum.


  • When choosing the peppers, select peppers that are firm, brightly colored, and free from blemishes.
  • For the beans, opt for low-sodium varieties to control the amount of salt in the chili.

  • Ground beef or pork can be substituted for the ground turkey, for a heartier chili. This substitution will provide more flavor and texture to the chili, as well as a different protein source.
  • Fresh diced jalapenos can be substituted for the canned green chilies, for a spicier chili. This substitution will provide a more intense heat to the chili, as well as a brighter, fresher flavor.

Vegetarian Variation Replace the ground turkey with 1/2 cup of cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup of cooked brown rice, and 1/2 cup of cooked lentils. Omit the chicken broth and use 4 cups of vegetable broth instead. Omit the hot sauce and red pepper flakes. Add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.


Mexican Variation Replace the ground turkey with 1/2 cup of cooked black beans and 1/2 cup of cooked pinto beans. Omit the chicken broth and use 4 cups of vegetable broth instead. Add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of oregano for a Mexican flavor. Add 1/4 cup of diced jalapenos for more spice.


RECOMMENDED DISH: Skillet Cornbread with Jalapeno Lime Butter - This savory and sweet cornbread is the perfect accompaniment to the Sweet, Savory, and Spicy White Bean Turkey Chili. The combination of the jalapeno lime butter and the chili is a match made in heaven! The butter adds a slight kick of heat to the cornbread, which pairs perfectly with the chili.


RECOMMENDED DISH: Cilantro Lime Rice - This flavorful and fragrant rice is the perfect addition to the Sweet, Savory, and Spicy White Bean Turkey Chili. The combination of cilantro and lime adds a bright and zesty flavor to the chili that complements the savory flavors of the turkey and beans. The cilantro lime rice also helps to balance out the spiciness of the chili, making it a great side dish for this dish.




FAQ

Q: How long should I simmer the chili?

A: Simmer the chili for 1-3 hours, checking for seasoning after 1 hour and then again after 2 hours. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor will be.



Q: What ingredients do I need for chili?

A: To make chili, you'll need ground beef or turkey, diced tomatoes, chili beans, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. You can also add other ingredients such as bell peppers, jalapenos, and cilantro.

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Fun facts:

Fun Fact 1:The traditional ingredients for chili are said to have been brought to the US by Canary Islanders in the late 18th century. The dish was popularized in the early 19th century by the cattle drivers of the Chisholm Trail, who would make large batches of chili to last them on their long journeys.

Fun Fact 2:The addition of spices and other ingredients such as cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg and apple cider to chili is said to have been inspired by the famous Texas chili cookoff held in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson and his wife, Lady Bird Johnson. The cookoff was won by Wick Fowler, who added these ingredients to his chili to create the unique flavor that won him the competition.