Creamy Smoky White Bean Turkey Chili
Elevate your dinner with this Creamy Smoky White Bean Turkey Chili, a delightful twist on a classic recipe. This hearty dish combines ground turkey with the creamy goodness of white cannellini beans, enriched with an array of spices for a warm and comforting meal that your family will love. With just a hint of smoky flavor and a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, it's perfectly suited for both kids and adults. This recipe not only meets your health goals but also brings taste and satisfaction to the table. Whether you serve it with a sprinkle of low-fat cheese or a dollop of sour cream, it’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s great for batch cooking or meal prepping, providing multiple meals for busy weeknights. Enjoy this delicious chili that fills your belly and warms your soul!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil or canola oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
yellow onions
2 medium (chopped)
garlic cloves
5 (chopped)
ground turkey
3 lbs (mixture of regular and extra lean)
chili powder
1 tablespoon
ground cumin
1 tablespoon
crushed red pepper flakes
2 teaspoons (adjust based on spice preference)
dried sage
1 tablespoon (or use fresh sage at the end)
ground nutmeg
2 teaspoons
white cannellini beans
4 (15-ounce) cans (drained and rinsed)
chicken stock
2 cups
fat-free half-and-half
1 cup (add 30 minutes before serving)
salt
to taste
Instructions
1
Heat a large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat.
2
Add olive oil or canola oil once the pot is hot.
3
Sauté the chopped onions until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Add the chopped garlic and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.
5
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, dried sage, and ground nutmeg. Cook for another 2 minutes to enhance the flavors. (If using fresh sage, reserve it for the very end.)
6
Add the ground turkey, breaking it up as you go, and cook thoroughly until the meat is fully cooked and white all the way through.
7
Pour in the chicken stock and add the fat-free half-and-half, stirring to combine.
8
If using fresh sage, stir it in at this point.
9
Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer for 30 to 45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
10
Serve warm, garnished with low-fat cheddar or Mexican style cheese, low-fat sour cream, chopped onions, and fresh cilantro, if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Smoky White Bean Turkey Chili?
It is a hearty dish that combines ground turkey with creamy white cannellini beans and various spices for a comforting, smoky meal.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of ground turkey, using a mixture of regular and extra lean meat.
Which type of beans are recommended?
White cannellini beans are used for their creamy texture and goodness.
How many cans of white cannellini beans are required?
You will need four 15-ounce cans of beans.
Should I drain the beans?
Yes, the beans should be both drained and rinsed before being added to the chili.
What oil is best for sauteing the vegetables?
You can use one teaspoon of either olive oil or canola oil.
How many onions do I need?
The recipe requires 2 medium yellow onions, chopped.
How long should I saute the onions?
Saute the onions for about 5 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
How many garlic cloves are used?
This recipe uses 5 chopped garlic cloves for a fragrant flavor.
Which spices provide the flavor?
The flavor comes from chili powder, ground cumin, crushed red pepper flakes, dried sage, and ground nutmeg.
How long should I cook the spices?
Cook the spices for about 2 minutes to enhance their flavors before adding the turkey.
Is the chili very spicy?
It has a mild kick from red pepper flakes, which can be adjusted based on your preference.
Can I substitute dried sage for fresh?
Yes, you can use 1 tablespoon of dried sage or reserve fresh sage for the very end.
When should fresh sage be added?
If using fresh sage, stir it in after adding the chicken stock and half-and-half.
How much nutmeg is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons of ground nutmeg.
What kind of ground turkey should I buy?
A mixture of regular and extra lean ground turkey is recommended.
How do I know when the turkey is cooked?
The turkey is done when it is broken up and cooked white all the way through.
How much chicken stock is added?
You will need 2 cups of chicken stock.
What makes this turkey chili creamy?
The creaminess comes from the combination of white beans and 1 cup of fat-free half-and-half.
When do I add the fat-free half-and-half?
Stir in the fat-free half-and-half approximately 30 minutes before you are ready to serve.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer on low heat for 30 to 45 minutes to let the flavors meld.
What is the benefit of simmering for 45 minutes?
Simmering allows the array of spices to blend together for a more complex and comforting flavor.
How can I prevent the chili from sticking?
Stir the pot occasionally while it is simmering on low heat.
What are some healthy garnish options?
Recommended garnishes include low-fat cheddar or Mexican style cheese and low-fat sour cream.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it is great for batch cooking or meal prepping, providing multiple meals for busy nights.
Is this chili appropriate for picky eaters?
Yes, the mild flavors and creamy texture are designed to please even the pickiest eaters.
How much chili powder is needed?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of chili powder.
Can I adjust the amount of red pepper flakes?
Yes, you should adjust the 2 teaspoons of red pepper flakes based on your personal spice preference.
What type of pot should I use?
A large heavy-bottom pot is best for cooking this chili.
What is the overall flavor profile of this dish?
It is a warm, smoky, and creamy dish with a mild kick and satisfying, hearty ingredients.