Mediterranean Turkey Chili Recipe
Mediterranean style healthy chili with ground turkey, beans and a homemade chili seasoning. My friends call it award winning because it’s the best chili recipe they’ve had!
THE CHILI SEASONING
If you can use a homemade chili seasoning mix, then I suggest the following spices and herbs:
- Sweet paprika
- Smoked paprika (can probably replace this with a few drops of liquid smoke but I’ve never dried it)
- Cumin
- Dried oregano (thyme will also work)
- Freshly grated black pepper
Optional/extras:
- If you want your chili spicy ¼ – ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some Tabasco sauce will do
- A pinch of grated cinnamon or cloves will add warmth
WHAT IS THE BEST SECRET INGREDIENT FOR CHILI?
Okay, this is not an ingredient, but a long and slow simmer will blend all the tastes and aromas together and will result in a perfectly delicious chili. If I had to chose just one ingredient that should never be omitted then that would be smoked paprika. I’m not the type that especially loves smokey foods but in this certain recipe smoked paprika gives character and transforms the dish giving it a subtle smoky flavor you will adore.
I don’t mention corn starch in the ingredients because if you slowly cook the chili for a long time it will thicken naturally and all the flavors will blend and mature. However, if you’re in a hurry or if you used a bit more liquid than necessary, mix two tablespoons of corn starch in 2-3 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the pot. It will help to thicken the chili and will give it a luscious, rich consistency.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins
Servings: 4
INGREDIENTS FOR Mediterranean Turkey Chili Recipe
For the homemade chili powder:
- 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- freshly grated black pepper
For the chili:
- 1 pound ground turkey breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth – or water with 1 chicken bouillon mixed in it
- 14 oz can tomatoes pureed
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- ½ green pepper, chopped
- 1 red pepper, chopped
- ½ cup sliced Kalamata olives
- 14 oz can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- ½ cup frozen sweet corn
- 1 small bunch parsley, chopped
For the toppings:
- chopped green onions, Greek strained yogurt, red pepper flakes
INSTRUCTIONS FOR Mediterranean Turkey Chili Recipe
Saute the ground turkey: Heat a large pan over high heat and add the olive oil and the ground turkey. Let the meat brown well without stirring (this will develop some flavor). Once the meat is dark brown, stir and break any lumps. Cook until all the liquids are evaporated.
Make the chili: Add the chili powder, the onion and the garlic and cook stirring very frequently for 2-3 minutes or until the onion is glossy. Add the chicken broth, the tomatoes, the honey, the peppers, the olives and the beans. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered until the chili is left with a thick sauce (about 40-60 minutes).
Finish: Add the corn and the parsley and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Serve with the side of your choice and add the yogurt, green onions and red pepper flakes on top.
NOTES:
- Don’t over-crowd the pan with the ground meat. A wide pan will brown the meat better.
- You can substitute the onion and the garlic clove with ½ teaspoon garlic powder and 2 teaspoons onion powder/flakes
- For a spicy chili add ½ -1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few drops of Tabasco sauce.
- For a thicker sauce mix two tablespoons of corn starch in 3 tablespoons of cold water and add it to the pot during the end of cooking. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the corn starch coagulates and thickens the sauce.
- Spices can have stronger or weaker flavor depending on their origin, age and storage conditions. Taste your chili halfway through cooking and add more seasoning if needed.
NUTRITIONAL INFO:
Calories: 292kcal