Rich and Hearty Cincinnati Turkey Chili
Experience the vibrant flavors of this Rich and Hearty Cincinnati Turkey Chili, a perfect blend of spices, lean turkey, and a touch of chocolate for depth. This dish is not only delicious but also light and healthy, making it an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Serve it topped with sharp cheddar cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Share it with loved ones and enjoy the warm, comforting taste of this classic chili recipe that can be made in under an hour!
4
Servings
160
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground turkey
8 ounces (none)
prechopped onions
1 1/2 cups (divided)
chopped green bell pepper
1 cup (none)
bottled minced garlic
1 tablespoon (none)
chili powder
1 tablespoon (none)
tomato paste
2 tablespoons (none)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
ground allspice
1/8 teaspoon (none)
reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth
1/2 cup (none)
kidney beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
diced tomatoes
1 (14 1/2 ounce) can (undrained)
chopped semisweet chocolate
2 1/2 tablespoons (none)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (for serving)
Instructions
1
1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, omitting salt and fat, then drain and set aside.
2
2. In a Dutch oven, heat over medium-high heat and lightly coat with cooking spray.
3
3. Add the ground turkey to the pan and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to crumble the turkey into small pieces.
4
4. Add 1 cup of prechopped onions, green bell pepper, and minced garlic to the browned turkey; sauté for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
5
5. Stir in the chili powder, tomato paste, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice; cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to become fragrant.
6
6. Pour in the chicken broth, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes with their juices; bring the mixture to a lively boil.
7
7. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
8
8. Remove the chili from heat and stir in the semisweet chocolate and salt until melted and well incorporated.
9
9. Serve hot, topped with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and your choice of garnishes.
Nutrition Information
5
Fat
17.5
Carbs
10
Protein
3.75
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich and Hearty Cincinnati Turkey Chili?
It is a vibrant blend of spices, lean turkey, and a touch of chocolate for depth, designed to be a healthy and light version of the classic Cincinnati-style chili.
How many calories are in a serving of this turkey chili?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as light and healthy, featuring lean turkey and a low fat content of 5 grams per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 10 grams of protein per serving.
What makes this 'Cincinnati' style?
The inclusion of warm spices like ground cinnamon and allspice, along with a touch of semisweet chocolate, defines the unique Cincinnati flavor profile.
Why is chocolate added to the chili?
Semisweet chocolate is added to provide depth and a rich, complex flavor to the chili base.
What kind of turkey should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of lean ground turkey.
Can I make this recipe in under an hour?
Yes, the instructions indicate it can be prepared and cooked in under an hour, with a 20-minute simmer time.
What are the primary spices used?
The spice blend includes chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground cinnamon, and ground allspice.
Does this chili contain beans?
Yes, it includes one 15-ounce can of kidney beans.
Should the kidney beans be rinsed?
Yes, the kidney beans should be rinsed and drained before being added to the pot.
Do I drain the canned tomatoes?
No, the recipe specifies using one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes undrained, as the juices are part of the liquid base.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of reduced-sodium fat-free chicken broth.
How much fat is in this dish?
This recipe contains 5 grams of fat per serving.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The chili includes prechopped onions, chopped green bell pepper, and minced garlic.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 17.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is there fiber in this chili?
Yes, each serving provides 3.75 grams of fiber.
How much chocolate should I add?
The recipe calls for 2.5 tablespoons of chopped semisweet chocolate.
What should I serve as a topping?
It is recommended to top the chili with shredded sharp cheddar cheese and your choice of extra garnishes.
Can I serve this with pasta?
Yes, the first step of the instructions involves cooking pasta to serve with the chili, which is traditional for Cincinnati style.
How long does it take to brown the turkey?
The turkey should be cooked for about 3 minutes until it is crumbled and browned.
What is the total amount of onions needed?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of prechopped onions.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of bottled minced garlic.
Is the chili spicy?
While it contains chili powder and other spices, it is generally described as a balanced flavor profile, though 'spicy' is listed as one of its tags.
What kind of pot is best for this recipe?
A Dutch oven is recommended for cooking this chili.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt, added at the end with the chocolate.
What are some tags for this recipe?
Common tags include turkey chili, healthy chili, quick meals, comfort food, and one-pot meal.
Is tomato paste used?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste are added to enhance the thickness and flavor.
How long does the chili simmer?
The chili should simmer covered for 20 minutes.