Ingredients
Method
- Cook the ground turkey in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, crumbling it with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess liquid and transfer the meat to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Drizzle olive oil into the hot pan and add the onion, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the peppers have softened. Stir in the garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
- Return the cooked turkey to the pot with the remaining ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 30 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Ladle the chili into bowls, garnish with your favorite toppings, and serve.
Nutrition
Notes
Sweetener Choice: I added the Stevia to balance the tomato acidity without adding extra calories, but you can easily swap it for a teaspoon of coconut sugar if you prefer a more traditional sweetener.
Make Ahead Magic: I have noticed this chili tastes even more incredible the next day after the spices have had time to fully develop in the refrigerator, so do not be afraid to cook it in advance.
Searing the Meat:
Make sure to really brown the turkey until it starts to get some color: those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pot are where the real flavor lives and they keep the turkey from tasting bland.
My Favorite Toppings: I personally reach for fresh cilantro and sliced avocado to add a hit of freshness that perfectly cuts through the smoky chili powder and heavy spices.
Texture Control: If you prefer a thicker chili like I do, leave the lid off for the last fifteen minutes of simmering to let some of that liquid evaporate and concentrate the sauce.
Heat Level: I leave the seeds in the jalapeños when I want a real kick, but if I am cooking for friends who prefer it mild, I make sure to scrape every single seed out first to keep it family friendly.
Bean Variations: I used kidney beans for their classic texture, but I have also had great results using black beans or even pinto beans when I wanted to switch things up based on what was in my pantry.