Loaded Turkey Chili

In my eyes, chili is kind of like a garbage disposal for whatever is approaching it’s expiration date in your refrigerator or pantry. You can throw in whatever veggies, beans, and canned tomatoes that have been sitting in the bottom of that vegetable crisper or cupboard and it always turns out delicious. All it takes is three simple components for a delicious chili: vegetable base, beans, and tomatoes. This method will deliver a delicious, steamy bowl of chili every time, but if you would like to add a little more protein add either extra lean ground turkey or even a bag of Boca or Morningstar “Ground Beef” Crumbles for even lower calories and fat.

This is a recipe that you can make once and eat all week, and even freeze leftovers for that night you really don’t feel like cooking but want a hot comforting meal in minutes.

Loaded Turkey Chili 

Ingredients:

• 1 lb extra lean ground turkey
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 large carrots, peeled and diced
• 1 medium green pepper, diced
• 1 large zucchini, diced
• 14.5 ounce can black beans
• 14.5 ounce can red kidney beans
• 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes
• 14.5 ounce can corn
• 1 packet chili seasoning (or a combination of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper)

Optional Garnishes:

• Cilantro, chopped
• Fat free sour cream
• Fat free cheddar cheese
• Hot sauce 

Method: 

Preheat a large sauté pan to medium high heat. Spray liberally with cooking spray and add ground turkey. Cook until browned, while crumbling with the back of a wooden spoon. Remove turkey from dish and set aside.

Preheat a large stock pot to medium heat. Coat with cooking spray and add onion, carrots, and green pepper. Cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add zucchini and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Add canned goods, chili seasoning, and cooked turkey. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 15 minutes. Garnish with cilantro, sour cream, cheese, and hot sauce, if desired. 

Nutrition Information (1/6^th of recipe, without garnishes):

Calories: 285

Total Fat: 2.4g

Saturated Fat: 0.3g

Cholesterol: 30mg

Sodium: 891.6mg

Carbohydrates: 41.3g

Fiber: 10.9g

Sugar: 9.1g

Protein: 28.9g