Turkey Chili is a nutritious and hearty Mexican-American dish, perfect for busy weeknights. Made with ground turkey, vegetables, and spices, it's a comforting one-pot meal ideal for lunch or dinner.
Heat oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Begin by adding the bay leaf, onion, and garlic. Sauté until they become aromatic, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Next, introduce the celery and red bell pepper to the pan. Continue to sauté until they soften, typically about 4-5 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder, coriander, cumin, black pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and salt. Mix everything thoroughly. If you have it, you can substitute these with 3 tbsp of premade chili seasoning mix.
Add the ground turkey and cook for 5-7 minutes until it's nicely browned, stirring occasionally.
Incorporate the green chiles into the mixture, blending them in well.
Add the tomatoes, pinto beans, black beans, and corn. Stir everything together thoroughly.
Add 2 cups of chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for 10-12 minutes.
Reduce the heat and let your chili simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
To finish, add brown sugar, lime juice, and coriander leaves, mixing well. Your comforting and healthy Turkey Chili is now ready to enjoy!
To Serve
Serve your Turkey Chili with toppings like avocado slices, crunchy tortilla chips, creamy sour cream, a blend of cheeses, and lime wedges. This combination creates a filling and satisfying meal, perfect for both lunch and dinner.
Notes
To elevate your Turkey Chili to the next level, consider these essential tips:
Aromatics and Spices: Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bay leaves. This foundational step is crucial for infusing the chili with a rich, aromatic flavor. Cook these ingredients until they release their fragrant essence, which will enhance the overall depth of your chili.
Browning the Turkey: Properly browning the ground turkey is vital. As it cooks, the turkey absorbs the flavors of the spices and aromatics, contributing to the chili’s hearty and rich taste. Ensure the turkey is well-browned to unlock its natural juices and flavors.
Chicken Broth/Stock: Opt for a high-quality, reduced-sodium chicken broth or stock instead of water. This simple switch adds a layer of richness and complexity to your chili, making it more savory and satisfying.
Simmering: After adding the broth, let the chili simmer. This crucial step allows the flavors to meld and intensify, elevating the taste of your dish. A longer cooking time will deepen the flavors, making the chili more enjoyable.
Toppings: Enhance your chili with toppings like avocado, sour cream, cheese blends, and lime wedges. These not only add a creamy texture but also introduce a burst of freshness, complementing the chili’s robust flavors.
For a Creamier Chili: If a creamier texture is desired, consider incorporating fat-free cream cheese or blending a portion of the beans. This addition is optional as the chili already possesses substantial volume from the turkey, beans, corn, celery, and bell peppers. The choice to thicken it further depends on personal preference.