I’m in it for the food…

Now, I’m the first to admit it, I’m don’t know anything about football. The only reason I even know when it’s football season is because I remember in high school always going to the games in the beginning of the school year, to socialize of course. The only reason you’ll ever catch me watching a game or sitting through the Super Bowl is for the food. 🙂 I love dips and chips, chicken wings, potato skins, and chili.

Most chili is made with beef or pork, which of course adds tremendous flavor, however I don’t eat those kinds of meats so I make mine with ground turkey. Now, lean white meat ground turkey doesn’t have a lot of fat so it doesn’t lend the same favors to chili as ground beef or pork would, however if you use a combination of ground dark and white meat turkey you will find that it’s just right. Just look next to the ground white meat turkey at the grocery market and you’ll find it. I also like to add jalapeno pepper and green chilies to my chili because it adds some heat, not so much that you’re reaching for a glass of water after every bite but just enough to enjoy the wonderful favors of the chili. Serve this with my cheddar jalapeno cornbread, yum!

Spicy Turkey Chili

Yields: 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 Large Green Bell Pepper, chopped
• 2 Tb. Vegetable Oil
• 1 Large Green Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 Large Sweet Onion, chopped
• 1/2 Large Jalapeno Pepper, diced
• 2 Tb. Tomato Paste
• 1 24 oz. Can Diced Tomato
• 2 14 oz. Can Kidney Beans
• 1 4 oz. Can Diced Green Chilies
• 1 pound ground turkey (try not to get only white meat, it adds more flavor)
• 2 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1 tsp Chili Powder
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cayenne Pepper
• Shredded Cheddar – Optional Topping
• Avocado Slices – Optional Topping
• Light Sour Cream – Optional Topping

Directions

1. Chop the bell pepper, onion and jalapeno pepper
2. In the bottom of a deep dished pot or Dutch oven add the 2 Tb. Of vegetable oil, then add ground turkey. Use a wooden spoon and break up the turkey periodically. Make sure to stir turkey around to brown completely, this take about 8-10 minutes.
3. Add bell peppers, onions, and jalapeno pepper to pot, allow to cook 2-3 minutes
4. Add kidney beans, tomatoes, diced green chilies, and tomato paste
5. Add chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper
6. Allow to cook on low heat for about 45 minutes, stirring periodically
7. Top with shredded cheddar, avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream 🙂