Turkey Black Bean Chili

Chili is a classic favorite amongst many people especially on the weekends. This recipe makes one mighty big pot filled with hearty and filling, spicy and warm chili that really hits the spot. Chili can be prepared a day in advance which I believe helps the flavor seep in.

There are a multitude of varieties of chili recipes that use various types of meats and beans. For example you can use ground or chopped buffalo or beef, ground or chopped chicken or even cashews instead of meat. Red kidney beans, garbanzo beans or black eyed beans are a welcoming change and delicious too!

My family enjoys this particular variation. Turkey black bean chili is jam-packed with colorful vegetables and freshly ground lean turkey breast. You can’t taste the beer but I think it gives it a richer flavor. I don’t add too much chili powder as some people don’t like it too hot; it’s a good idea though to have Tabasco or jalapeno sauce or chilies on hand for those who do.

I buy the whole organic turkey breast at a specialty shop and have the clerk grind it fresh for me.

Turkey Black Bean Chili is best accompanied with a lightly dressed green salad and a heavy black bread or homemade jalapeno cornbread.

This recipe is perfect for freezing.

Makes 8 large bowls

Ingredients

• 3 pounds ground turkey breast
• 8 cups fresh or canned plum tomatoes with juice
• 6 cups cooked black beans
• 1 large yellow onion
• 2 stalks celery
• 1 of each yellow and orange pepper
• 3 carrots chopped
• 1 bottle of lager beer
• 2 bulbs of freshly grated raw garlic or 2 Tbsp. garlic powder
• 2 Tbsp. Chili powder
• 2 Tbsp. crushed Oregano
• 4 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• Course ground pepper and Sea salt to your liking

This recipe can be halved.

Directions

• Chop into uniform pieces onion, celery, peppers and carrots.
• In a large skillet sauté chopped vegetables in olive oil for 3 minutes.
• In large soup pot “fry” on medium heat ground turkey breast in olive oil until it is not pink.
• Add to soup pot vegetables, beer and garlic. Stir in first the tomatoes then beans.
• Add chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper.
• Continue to stir with a large spoon.
• Cover pot and let lightly simmer for at least 2 hours or longer stirring occasionally and checking if more chili, oregano, salt and pepper is needed.

Enjoy!

Bon Appetite!...TKH