Chocolate-Infused Chili with Apples and Almonds
This unique Chocolate-Infused Chili with Apples and Almonds brings a delightful twist to your traditional chili. Combining savory ground turkey, sweet Granny Smith apples, and the rich depth of cocoa, this dish tantalizes the taste buds with unexpected flavor profiles. Topped with toasted slivered almonds and a dollop of fat-free sour cream, it's a hearty one-dish meal that's perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Serve it alongside warm cornbread or tortillas for a comforting and satisfying experience that Barb absolutely adores!
N/A
Servings
225
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey
1 lb (raw)
chopped onions
2 cups (finely chopped)
minced garlic
3 cloves (minced)
canned tomatoes
1 (14 ounce) can (chopped)
tomato sauce
1 can (standard)
fat free chicken broth
1 can (standard)
yellow bell pepper
1 (diced)
canned chopped green peppers
1 (4 ounce) can (standard)
large apple (Granny Smith)
1 (cored and chopped, unpeeled)
chili powder
3 tablespoons (standard)
unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons (standard)
curry powder
1 tablespoon (standard)
ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon (standard)
red kidney beans
1 can (drained)
slivered almonds
1 cup (toasted (optional))
raisins
to taste (standard)
fat free sour cream
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
In a large stew pot or Dutch oven, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until it's browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2
Incorporate the chopped onions and minced garlic into the pot. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
3
Pour in the canned tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
4
Add the diced yellow bell pepper, chopped green peppers, chopped apple, chili powder, cocoa powder, curry powder, and ground cinnamon. Mix thoroughly to blend all the flavors.
5
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
6
After an hour, fold in the drained red kidney beans and toasted slivered almonds. Stir gently to incorporate, and let it heat through for an additional 5-10 minutes.
7
Serve the chili hot in bowls, garnishing each serving with a sprinkle of raisins and a generous dollop of fat-free sour cream on top for added creaminess.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
32.5g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chocolate-Infused Chili with Apples and Almonds?
It is a unique chili recipe that combines savory ground turkey, tart Granny Smith apples, and unsweetened cocoa powder for a complex and rich flavor profile.
What meat is used in this chili?
This recipe uses 1 lb of raw ground turkey as the primary protein source.
Can I substitute the ground turkey with beef?
Yes, you can use ground beef as a substitute, though ground turkey is recommended for a leaner, heartier version of the dish.
What kind of apple is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one large Granny Smith apple, cored and chopped but left unpeeled.
Does the chili taste like chocolate?
The cocoa powder adds a deep, earthy richness and dark color rather than making the dish taste like a sweet dessert.
Why is cocoa powder included?
Unsweetened cocoa powder provides a savory depth and complexity similar to Mexican mole sauces.
Is this chili recipe spicy?
It features 3 tablespoons of chili powder and 1 tablespoon of curry powder, providing a mild to moderate heat level.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, it should simmer on low heat for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 225 calories.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The core ingredients are gluten-free, but you should verify that your chicken broth and canned tomato sauce are certified gluten-free.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the ground turkey with extra beans or a plant-based meat alternative and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What should I serve as a side dish?
It pairs excellently with warm cornbread or tortillas for a comforting and satisfying meal.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 17 ingredients total, including the garnishes like raisins and sour cream.
What type of beans are used?
The recipe uses one can of red kidney beans, which are added toward the end of the cooking process.
Can I use black beans instead of kidney beans?
Yes, black beans or pinto beans can be used as a substitute for red kidney beans without affecting the cooking time.
Do I need to peel the apple?
No, the recipe suggests leaving the Granny Smith apple unpeeled for extra texture and fiber.
Why are almonds added to the chili?
Toasted slivered almonds add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the chocolate and apple.
What spices provide the unique flavor?
The flavor comes from a blend of chili powder, curry powder, and ground cinnamon.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the turkey and onions first, then combine everything in a slow cooker on low for 4 to 6 hours.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Is this recipe family-friendly?
Yes, it is a hearty one-dish meal that is perfect for family dinners and cozy gatherings.
What does curry powder add to the dish?
Curry powder adds an aromatic warmth and an additional layer of spice that enhances the overall savory profile.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, you can use fresh chopped tomatoes, but you may want to add a little extra tomato sauce to maintain the right consistency.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
Can I omit the raisins?
Yes, the raisins are added to taste as a garnish and can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet topping.
What is a good substitute for fat-free sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent, protein-rich substitute for fat-free sour cream.
Do the almonds need to be toasted?
Toasting the almonds is optional but recommended as it brings out their natural oils and enhances the crunch.
Can I use a different color bell pepper?
While the recipe calls for yellow and green peppers, red or orange bell peppers will work just as well.
Is this a low-fat recipe?
With 7.5g of fat per serving and the use of lean turkey, it is considered a relatively healthy and low-fat chili option.
Can this chili be frozen?
Yes, this chili freezes very well for up to 3 months; just thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.