Turkey Chili

Turkey Chili is one of our favorite cold-weather meals. We usually double this recipe and freeze half for later use. This is a moderately low-carb dish, suitable for a Reward Meal (RM) under CALP. The main carbohydrate sources are the bell peppers and tomatoes (and beer, if you add it).

You can add beans (see below) if you like and your diet permits.

Ingredients

• 1 tbs. olive oil
• Two green bell peppers, cleaned and coarsely chopped
• 1 1/2 cups yellow onions finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or crushed
• 1 lb. ground turkey
• 1 large can (1 lb. 12 ounces) whole tomatoes
• 1 8 oz can of tomato sauce
• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 3 tsp. chili powder
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup of your favorite beer (optional, adds flavor but also more carbs)

Preparation

• In large preheated skillet, saute onions, garlic, and bell pepper in olive oil over medium-high heat until onions turn translucent. Remove for later use.
• Brown ground turkey over medium-high heat in the large skillet. Drain off any excess fat (there shouldn't be any if you are using turkey).
• Place cooked onions, bell peppers, garlic, and turkey in an 8 quart pot, then add all remaining ingredients.
• Bring to a boil, stirring frequently.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer on low about two hours, stirring occasionally. We usually uncover the pot during the last 45 minutes or so in order thicken the chili.

Options and Extras

• Depending on diet requirements, you can add pinto beans (canned works fine, if you rinse and drain them) after all cooking is complete (no need to cook the beans). Or, if you wish, you can preheat and add the beans to individual bowls prior to serving, to suit individual tastes and dietary needs.
• If ground turkey isn't your thing, you can substitute ground beef, sirloin, or chuck. Grilled tri-tip or top sirloin, cut up into small chunks makes an interesting alternative, too!
• You can omit the beer if you are avoiding alcohol or don't like beer in your chili, or if you want to cut the carbs.