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Delicious Fall Chili Recipe
Although it is a bit warmer than it would normally be this time of year, it’s getting cool enough to enjoy this fabulous Smoky Turkey Chili!
We like things spicy around here, and since the flavor of turkey is not quite as distinctive as, say the steak I used in my Chuck Steak Chili, it is the perfect match for some strong spices and a nice smoky flavor that really compliments the turkey and beans.
I used canned beans in this, and a nice variety of kinds, but you can use whatever ones you have on hand or that you enjoy. I think each variety brings a little bit different flavor and we really enjoy that contrast.
The heat is everything
Chipotle chili powder is where most of the smoky flavor comes from, though I do also use a very nice-tasting liquid smoke. There’s a link to the kind I prefer in the recipe, in case you can’t find it where you live. Chipotle chili powder is pretty easy to find in any supermarket these days, and along with ground cumin, you have a lot of classic chili flavor. You could also use some canned chipotle chili in adobo if you like. Just be warned, it is definitely on the spicy side, so use a little and add more later if you’d like it spicier.
Here is how I make this great turkey chili!
Smoky Turkey Chili
Equipment USED
Ingredients
- 2.5 lb package of ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large sweet peppers green or red, cut in a large dice
- 1 large red or yellow onion cut in a large dice
- 3 stalks of celery cut in thin slices
- 4 to 6 garlic cloves minced [or more if you like]
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 10 - 15 grinds fresh black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon granulated onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder [if serving little kids or people you know are sensitive to spicy food, it is probably best to start with just 1 teaspoon]
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 28 ounce cans of whole tomatoes [or the equivalent amount in home canned or frozen tomatoes]
- 2 - 3 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 1 15 ounce can each pinto beans, red kidney beans, chick peas and black beans - drained and rinsed
- 1 more clove of garlic - minced
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
Instructions
- This is going to make a pretty big pot of chili, so I use and 8 quart pot, to give me plenty of room in which to work. Heavy stainless steel is the best choice.
- Over a high flame, heat the 2 tablespoon of olive oil in the pot, until it begins to shimmer slightly.
- Put all of the turkey in at once, and just break up very slightly - don't stir it all over, just let it sit, cooking in the hot oil for several minutes, to get a bit of caramelization on the meat.
- Once you see some nice color on the bottom, begin to stir the turkey around, and break it up a little. I like to leave the meat in fairly large chunks at this point, because turkey is softer than beef, and you don't want it end up too small at the end - you want some nice texture in there.
- When about 3/4 of the turkey has lost it's pink color, add the peppers, onions, celery and garlic, and stir to combine. [you can hold back a few tablespoons of the veggies for the last half hour of cooking, if you like - gives things a bit of nice crunch] Leave the heat pretty high still.
- Sprinkle in the salt and pepper.
- Stir the turkey and veggies around every couple minutes, to keep things from sticking. Cook about 5 minutes, until the veggies are getting kind of soft.
- Add all of the spices, except the bay leaves and cook for a minute or two to wake them up.
- Add the tomatoes [I like to chop up the tomatoes a bit - you can just go in the cans with a pair of kitchen shears and cut through them, or dump them in and then cut around on them with a metal spatula.]
- Stir in the liquid smoke, red wine vinegar and chicken stock.
- Cook, covered for an hour, stirring every so often.
- After an hour, taste the chili, to see if it needs any more seasoning, and add more salt, maybe more chili powder or cumin if you think it needs it. Cook uncovered for 30 minutes.
- Add the beans, the additional garlic [which is optional, but it does add a nice edge], and stir. [if you held back a bit of the veg, add that now as well]
- Cook another 30 minutes.
- Stir in the cilantro and let sit, uncovered for 20 minutes.
- Serve in bowls. Provide whatever you like for sprinkling over the top - shredded cheese, sliced scallions, cubed avocado, sliced jalapenos, crushed tortilla chips, sour cream.
- Store refrigerated, and it does freeze well - thaw completely before heating.
Notes
It’s the perfect way to ward off the cold on a late fall day – smoky, warm comfort!
Our favorite bread with chili is definitely cornbread. Here are a few you might like to try:
Buttermilk Cornbread ~ Jalapeno Bacon Cornbread ~ Sweet Zucchini Cornbread
Creamy Vegan Zucchini Dill Soup
Creamy Spinach Feta Soup
Chipotle Maple Chicken
Stovetop Macaroni & Cheese
Italian Meatballs
Bean with Bacon Soup
Cheesy Quinoa Veggie Bake
Turkey Stuffed Delicata Squash
Veggie Frittata
Vermicelli with Shrimp and Fresh Herbs
I love the smokiness of this dish. It is such a nice twist on chili.
Thanks Jocelyn – it has become a favorite around here 🙂
Today we had some pumpkin chickpea chilli for the lunch too. Yours with turkey and avocado looks fantastic.
I love pumpkin [or winter squash] chili Angie – we have to do that next week!
Another great recipe I will be trying soon. Yummy!
I hope you do Donna – it’s so good!
Growing up in Texas, I love chili anytime of the year but especially when there is a chill in the air. You’ve made a fine pot of chiii, it really looks good.
Nice to hear that is looks good from a Texan, Karen – thanks!
This s going to be a new favorite treat in our family.
We all love spicy and the smokiness of the turkey adds a wonderful twist.
Thanks Daniela – I hope that you all enjoy it 🙂
This dish looks like a perfect, hearty meal! Beautiful colour for the chilli 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Thanks CCU – hope that you give it a try!
It’s hard to think of hot and hearty meals when I’m sitting barefoot with the fan on high at 10pm. It does look awfully good!
I know what you mean Maureen – I feel the same about Australian blogs – we are on opposite side of the world!
My boys saw me looking at this recipe and have demanded that I try it out immediately, so I guess I need tto get to the store. Looking forward to it myself, so thanks for a great idea!
I hope you all enjoy it Bonnie – let me know!
Well now that fall has finally come to Southern California (complete with RAIN!) its definitely time for a dish of this fabulous chili. Thanks for dinner!
I guess rain is the closest you get to winter Adri 🙂
Perfect weather indeed for a chili and I love the liquid smoke in here to give the turkey some umph!
Evelyne – it is handy stuff!
I have never cooked with liquid smoke before. I guess it is time to get my hands on some. Love that you used a combination of beans here, looks delicious!
I love the different flavors of the beans too Cheri – it adds a lot to the chili. 🙂
Scrumptious and ever so comforting! I love smoky foods…
Cheers,
Rosa