Drunken Turkey Chili

This Drunken Turkey Chili is a flavor fiesta in a bowl! 🌶️🎉 So rich, so good. 😋

1. What to Know First:

Drunken Turkey Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish that combines lean ground turkey with a rich blend of spices, beans, and a splash of your favorite beer. It's the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening.

2. What You’ll Need:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large white onion, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 jalapeno peppers, minced
• 1-2 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 2-4 teaspoons of chili powder, or more to taste
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 pound lean ground turkey meat
• 1 14.5 ounce can peeled tomatoes
• 1 16 ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 bottle of beer (I used Miller Light)
• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 bunch of fresh cilantro, minced

3. How to Cook:

Begin by browning the ground turkey with onions and garlic. Add the spices, beans, tomatoes, and beer, then let it simmer until the flavors meld together. Adjust seasonings to your liking before serving.

Step 1: Heat the oil

Gently heat the oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Be careful not to let the oil get too hot and start to smoke. You want it just warm enough to start cooking the vegetables.

Step 2: Add the vegetables

Add the diced onion, bell pepper, minced garlic, and jalapenos to the pot with the warm oil. Ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed in the pot. This will allow them to cook evenly.

Step 3: Sauté the vegetables

Sauté the vegetables over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and slightly translucent. This process should take approximately 5 minutes. Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning.

Step 4: Add the spices

Add all the powdered spices to the pot with the softened vegetables. Stir well to ensure the spices evenly coat the vegetables. This step will infuse the vegetables with flavor.

Step 5: Add the turkey

Add the ground turkey to the pot with the spiced vegetables. Make sure to break up any large clumps of turkey as you add it. This will help it cook more evenly.

Step 6: Sauté the turkey

Sauté the ground turkey for about three to four minutes, until it's just cooked through. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Avoid overcooking the turkey, as it can become dry.

Step 7: Add the tomatoes

Drain the juice from the canned, peeled tomatoes into the chili pot. Then, finely chop the tomatoes and add them to the pot as well. Stir everything together to combine.

Step 8: Add beans, beer, and soy sauce

Add the black beans, beer, and soy sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. The beer will add depth of flavor, and the soy sauce will enhance the savory notes.

Step 9: Add cilantro

Add the chopped cilantro to the chili pot. Stir well to incorporate the cilantro throughout the chili. The cilantro will add a fresh, herbaceous flavor.

Step 10: Simmer and rest

Cover the pot and allow the chili to simmer over low heat for five to ten minutes. Then, turn off the heat and let it rest, covered, for about fifteen minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 11: Garnish and serve

Garnish your chili with your favorite toppings, such as low-fat sour cream, grated cheese, avocado slices, or chopped green onions. Serve with tortilla chips for a complete meal. Enjoy!

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips. A cold beer complements the flavors perfectly.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 8 servings, Calories: 191kcal, Protein: 18g, Fat: 5g, Carbohydrates: 17g, Fiber: 6g, Sugar: 3g, Cholesterol: 31mg, Sodium: 478mg

6. Wrapping It Up:

Drunken Turkey Chili is a satisfying and flavorful dish that's easy to make and perfect for sharing. Whether you're hosting a game night or simply craving a warm meal, this chili is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy!