Tuesday, October 13, 2015

“Quick and Healthy Turkey Chili” To Celebrate "National Chili Month"

Welcome to “Wordless Tuesday!” Well I have a warm and cozy recipe for you!

Did you know that October is “National Chili Month?” Not to be confused with National Chili Day which is February 25th. Chili, Chili, Chili! It doesn't matter if it's hot and spicy chili, turkey chili, beef chili, bean chili, bean less chili, white chili, red chili, green chili, vegetarian chili, meatless chili or 15 bean chili, chili is warming to the soul and a true favorite meal during cold months. There are many Chili recipes and not one recipe is the same.




It seems when the weather turns from warm, to cool, to cold.…that's when the chili pots are dusted off and pulled out of the back of our kitchen cabinets. Not many of us will shy away from a good chili dog- but you can bet that when winter hits, we make up for not eating chili in the summer by eating it several times during the winter. It's a true favorite! When we see the leaves falling, the wind blowing, and snow start to fall, the chili pot starts to simmer. 


Fire-fighters and Chili: Interesting enough, firefighters and chili just seem to go together.  Each and every year you hear of more and more Firehouse Cook-offs that are competing over the best Firehouse Chili between fire-stations. Most all of these cook-offs are put on to build funds for the fire station or for a local cause that they are supporting for the year. Support your local firemen and be a part of these great cook-off contests. There a lot of fun and you will eat some of the best chili you have ever put in your mouth!

Look below to my recipe this week and you will be thrilled and happy that in just 30 minutes, you'll have a mouthwatering pot of healthy, nourishing chili that tastes like it's been simmering for hours. Top with cheese, avocado, and cilantro for heaven in a bowl. Enjoy!

Quick and Healthy Turkey Chili

Ingredients:      Serves:4

2 tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 (about 1 cup) green bell pepper, chopped
1 (about 1 cup) small onion, finely chopped
6 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 lb of ground turkey**
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp of cinnamon
1/4 tsp of smoked paprika
Couple dashes cayenne pepper for spicy lovers (optional)
1 can (15oz) low sodium Red Kidney Beans, drained
1 can (15oz) low sodium Black Beans, drained
2 cans (8oz each) tomato sauce (or 16 oz. homemade)
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 avocado, chopped in bite size pieces
Coarsely chopped fresh cilantro



Directions:
Heat oil in medium pot over medium heat. Stir in peppers, onions and garlic; cook until tender, 5-7 minutes. Add turkey, and spices. Cook, breaking up turkey with spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in beans, tomato sauce, and 1 cup water. Bring liquid to boil. Reduce heat. Simmer until chili thickens and flavors come together, about 15 minutes. Top with cheese, avocado, and cilantro. Serve with a grilled cheese sandwich if you like, thick bread sticks, corn bread or Nachos.

**Looking for something quick to use some leftover turkey. You can also substitute shredded turkey breast or shredded chicken instead of ground. 





Recipe adapted from Goya Foods

Till Next Time………………………………...................

Copyright © 2015 “Family Plus Food Equals Love” All Rights Reserved

8 comments:

  1. Yes, it is definitely chilly outside here now, making it chili weather for sure! Wish I could dig into that bowl right now. Your version sounds great, Dottie and I like that it doesn't have to cook for hours. This is stick to the ribs deliciousness and thanks for posting it! Take care

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    1. Hi Pam,
      Thanks for your comment...It is getting cooler, this weekend will be the first frost here....so I guess fall has really turned the corner and it is time to get out those warm and cozy recipes. That is what got me as well, it is an easy recipe that you can whip up very quickly. I use turkey meat a lot much better than beef..more healthy..glad that you liked this one...Have a great rest of the week..
      Dottie :)

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  2. Good evening Dottie ,
    Yep , this is chili weather and boy do your bowl of chili look inviting . Like the idea you used turkey just so delicious and not as much fat . Now is the time for quick dishes that you don't have to spend the day in the kitchen to have a delicious meal . So we will have to pull out the slow cookers and Dutch Ovens . have a great week my friend and thanks for sharing . :) Nee

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    1. Good evening Nee,
      Thanks for your visit...I enjoyed this one, it really is hearty and yet so easy...I use turkey meat a lot and you can even do chicken. more healthy. Yes, dear friend have to pull out those pots and those warm and cozy recipes, that make you think of comfort and home...Thank you for your comment...Have a great rest of the week...
      Dottie :)

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  3. Over here it has turned cold too and I am back to making soups every week now. I do fancy your chilly though! I have always loved chilly but I don't make it very often. Your version with turkey is really interesting.
    I am bookmarking your recipe. Ciao and have a good rest of the week xx

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    1. Dear Alida,
      Thanks for your comment...It is really getting much cooler now, this weekend we will have our first frost....Soup, chili's, and stews are so hearty in this type of weather. I love to make the chili with turkey meat, it is much healthier than beef...There are so many recipes of chili, that any way you make it I am sure it will taste yummy..Thanks for visiting and bookmarking the recipe. You and have a good one..stay warm..
      Dottie :).

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  4. LOVE chili! Have some basic Midwestern-style chili in the freezer right now. Turkey chili can be so superb, and yours looks wonderful. Now you have me craving chili. ;-) Thanks for this.

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    1. Hi John,
      Thanks for your comment...I agree with you, who doesn't love chili? There are so many ways to make it, that is what I love about this dish! I love to use turkey it is much more healthy. So happy that you enjoyed this post! Yes, by all means have a bowl of chili! Have a great rest of the week!
      Dottie :)

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