Smoky Turkey Chili with Tropical Peach Salsa and Kale
Discover a unique twist on a hearty classic with this Smoky Turkey Chili. Featuring lean ground turkey and an abundance of fresh vegetables, this chili is not only nutritious but bursting with flavor. The signature ingredient, peach salsa, introduces a delightful sweetness that beautifully balances the smoky and spicy elements, making it a hit even among traditionalists. Packed with protein from the turkey and fiber from the beans and kale, this dish is both satisfying and healthy. Perfect for cozy gatherings or meal prep for the week, this chili is sure to become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
440
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey
2 lbs (browned)
kale
1 bushel (ripped into small pieces)
carrots
2 (chopped)
white onion
1 (diced)
green pepper
1 (diced)
jalapeno pepper
1 (diced (seeds removed except for a few))
fresh garlic
to taste (diced)
peach salsa
1 (16 oz) jar (store-bought (e.g., Newman's Own))
diced fire-roasted tomatoes
2 (14.5 oz) cans (canned)
mixed beans
3 (15.5 oz) cans (rinsed (e.g., black, light kidney, cannellini))
vegetable broth
1 (32 oz) carton (liquid)
Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon (liquid)
chili powder
2 tablespoons (preferably homemade)
turmeric
1 teaspoon (spice)
smoked paprika
1 teaspoon (spice)
roasted cumin
1 teaspoon (spice)
cinnamon
1 tablespoon (spice)
dark cocoa
1 tablespoon (unsweetened powder)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
brown sugar
2 tablespoons (sweetener)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the ground turkey with salt and pepper, then brown it in the skillet until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
2
In a large soup pot, heat another splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, diced onion, green pepper, diced jalapeno, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and fragrant.
3
Stir in the peach salsa, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, rinsed beans, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, and all the spices (chili powder, turmeric, smoked paprika, roasted cumin, cinnamon, dark cocoa, salt, and black pepper). Mix well until the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4
Pour in the vegetable broth and add the browned ground turkey to the mix. Stir to combine everything, then bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally.
5
After simmering, add the ripped kale to the pot. Stir gently until all the kale is coated in the chili. Allow it to simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, or until the kale is tender yet still vibrant green.
6
Serve hot with optional toppings like chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
75g
Carbs
32g
Protein
8.5g
Fiber
7g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Smoky Turkey Chili with Tropical Peach Salsa and Kale?
It is a unique and hearty twist on classic chili that combines lean ground turkey, fresh vegetables, and the sweetness of peach salsa with smoky spices and nutrient-dense kale.
Is this turkey chili healthy?
Yes, this dish is highly nutritious, featuring lean protein from turkey, high fiber from beans and kale, and a wide variety of fresh vegetables.
What are the main nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 440 calories, 32g of protein, 75g of carbohydrates, 10g of fat, and 8.5g of fiber.
How much protein is in this recipe?
This chili is high in protein, providing 32 grams per serving primarily from the ground turkey and mixed beans.
What makes this chili smoky?
The smoky flavor profile is created by using smoked paprika, roasted cumin, and fire-roasted tomatoes.
What role does peach salsa play in the recipe?
The peach salsa introduces a delightful sweetness that balances the smoky and spicy elements of the chili.
How should I prepare the ground turkey?
The turkey should be seasoned with salt and pepper and browned in a skillet with olive oil for 5-7 minutes before being added to the main pot.
When should I add the kale to the chili?
The ripped kale should be added at the very end, after the chili has simmered for 45-60 minutes, and cooked for only 5 additional minutes.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
The recipe suggests a mix of three 15.5 oz cans of beans, such as black beans, light kidney beans, and cannellini beans.
Is this chili spicy?
It has a balanced heat from the diced jalapeno and chili powder, though most of the jalapeno seeds are removed to keep the spice level manageable.
Can I use homemade chili powder?
Yes, the recipe specifically recommends using homemade chili powder for the best flavor.
What is the purpose of adding dark cocoa to the chili?
A tablespoon of unsweetened dark cocoa powder adds a deep, earthy richness and complexity that complements the smoky spices.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer covered on low heat for 45 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
What vegetables are included in the base of the chili?
The base includes chopped carrots, diced white onion, green pepper, diced jalapeno, and minced garlic.
Can I customize the toppings?
Yes, popular optional toppings include chopped green onions, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
What type of broth is recommended?
The recipe calls for one 32 oz carton of vegetable broth.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 21 total ingredients, ranging from the main proteins and vegetables to the specific spices and seasonings.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
The recipe contains 7g of sugar per serving, which comes from the peach salsa and the 2 tablespoons of added brown sugar.
Can I use fresh garlic?
Yes, the recipe encourages using fresh diced garlic to taste.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, this chili is perfect for meal prep as the flavors often improve the next day and it stores well.
How do I prep the kale?
You should use one bushel of kale and rip it into small pieces, removing the tough stems.
What kind of tomatoes should I buy?
The recipe calls for two 14.5 oz cans of diced fire-roasted tomatoes.
Can I substitute the ground turkey?
While turkey is used for a lean option, you could substitute ground chicken or lean ground beef if preferred.
What spices do I need besides chili powder?
You will need turmeric, smoked paprika, roasted cumin, cinnamon, dark cocoa, salt, and black pepper.
Does this recipe include turmeric?
Yes, it includes one teaspoon of turmeric for its health benefits and earthy flavor.
How much fat is in this chili?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, the sweetness from the peach salsa makes it a hit even among traditionalists and children.
Can I use any brand of peach salsa?
Yes, any store-bought brand like Newman's Own works perfectly for this recipe.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to brown the ground turkey in a large skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How do I know when the kale is done?
The kale is done when it is tender but still retains a vibrant green color, usually after about 5 minutes of simmering.