Ultimate Comfort Turkey Chili
This Ultimate Comfort Turkey Chili is a cherished recipe that's been passed down for years, bringing warmth and joy to every gathering. Initially scribbled on an old, yellowed recipe card, this chili has been my go-to dish since my teenage years. The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility; you can easily adjust the ingredients to match your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Made with leftover turkey or fresh turkey, this hearty chili bursts with flavors from the combination of bell peppers, spices, and savory broth. With every simmer, the aromas fill your kitchen, inviting family and friends to gather around the table. Pair it with crusty bread or over rice, and top it with cheese and fresh cilantro for a delightful finish. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a special occasion, this delicious chili will certainly make you feel at home.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
white onion
1 small (chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons (N/A)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
green bell pepper
1 (chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (chopped)
cooked turkey
1/2-1 lb (diced)
chili powder
1 teaspoon (N/A)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (N/A)
ground oregano
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (N/A)
tomato puree
2 teaspoons (N/A)
chicken broth
3/4 cup (N/A)
beer
6 ounces (N/A)
cornmeal
2 tablespoons (N/A)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (N/A)
grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (N/A)
fresh cilantro
1 2/3 cups (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large stockpot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the chopped red and green bell peppers, cooking until they are tender, about another 5 minutes.
4
Add the chopped garlic and stir until its aroma is released, about 1-2 minutes.
5
Incorporate the diced turkey, stirring well to combine with the vegetables.
6
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper, sautéing briefly to enhance the flavors.
7
Add the tomato puree, chicken broth, and beer, mixing until well combined.
8
Stir in cornmeal to thicken the chili slightly.
9
Bring the mixture to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low.
10
Let the chili cook for approximately 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the turkey is tender and flavors meld.
11
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired, adding more salt, chili powder, or oregano to suit your palate.
12
Serve warm in bowls, garnished with grated cheese and fresh cilantro.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Comfort Turkey Chili?
It is a hearty, flexible chili recipe made with turkey, bell peppers, and spices, designed to be a comforting meal for gatherings.
Can I use leftover turkey for this recipe?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for using either leftover turkey or fresh turkey.
How long does it take to sauté the onions?
The chopped onion should be sautéed for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
What type of oil is used for the base?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil.
Which bell peppers are included in the chili?
The recipe calls for one chopped red bell pepper and one chopped green bell pepper.
How long should the bell peppers cook?
The bell peppers should be cooked for approximately 5 minutes until they are tender.
When is the garlic added to the pot?
Add the chopped garlic after the peppers are tender and stir for 1 to 2 minutes until the aroma is released.
What spices are used in the Ultimate Comfort Turkey Chili?
The spices include chili powder, ground cumin, ground oregano, and cayenne pepper.
How much turkey is required?
The recipe requires between 1/2 to 1 lb of diced cooked turkey.
What liquids are used for the chili broth?
The broth is made from a combination of tomato puree, 3/4 cup of chicken broth, and 6 ounces of beer.
How is the chili thickened?
The chili is thickened by stirring in 2 tablespoons of cornmeal.
How long does the chili need to simmer?
The chili should simmer for approximately 30 minutes until the turkey is tender and flavors have melded.
Should the pot be covered during the simmering process?
Yes, once the mixture reaches a simmer, cover the pot and reduce the heat to low.
What garnishes are recommended for serving?
It is recommended to serve the chili topped with grated cheddar cheese and fresh cilantro.
Is this turkey chili recipe flexible?
Yes, the recipe allows for easy adjustments of ingredients and seasonings to match your taste preferences.
What are some serving suggestions for this chili?
The chili can be served warm in bowls, paired with crusty bread, or served over a bed of rice.
How much beer is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of beer.
What kind of onion should I use?
A small white onion, chopped, is recommended for this recipe.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 2 chopped garlic cloves.
How much chili powder is used?
One teaspoon of chili powder is used in the seasoning mix.
Is there any heat or spiciness in this chili?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.
How much chicken broth is needed?
You will need 3/4 cup of chicken broth.
What amount of tomato puree is added?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of tomato puree.
How much cornmeal is used for thickening?
Two tablespoons of cornmeal are used to achieve the desired thickness.
How much cheddar cheese is recommended for garnish?
About 1/4 cup of grated cheddar cheese is used for garnishing.
How much fresh cilantro is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 2/3 cups of chopped fresh cilantro.
Can I adjust the seasonings after cooking?
Yes, you should taste and adjust the seasoning as desired, adding more salt, chili powder, or oregano before serving.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to heat extra virgin olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
How much ground cumin is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much ground oregano is required?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of ground oregano.