Description
Hearty Spicy Ancho Turkey Chili delivers bold southwestern flavors that dance across taste buds with robust warmth and complex spice profiles. Smoky ancho peppers and lean ground turkey combine in this satisfying one-pot meal perfect for comfort-seeking dinner companions.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey
- 1 (15 ounces/425 grams) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons ancho chili powder
- 2 teaspoons regular chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
Base and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapenos, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 1 cup fresh salsa (or store-bought)
- 2 (14 ounces/397 grams) cans fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
- 1–2 cups water or broth, as needed for consistency
- Optional: 1 cup cooked farro, brown rice, or quinoa
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar
- Green onions
- Avocado slices
- Tortilla chips
Instructions
- Create a flavor foundation by gently sautéing diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños in olive oil until they become translucent and aromatic, releasing their essential oils.
- Introduce ground turkey to the pot, methodically breaking down the meat while browning it thoroughly, ensuring no pink remains and developing a rich, caramelized exterior.
- Awaken the spice profile by incorporating salt, ancho chili powder, traditional chili powder, and ground cumin, then fold in black beans to allow the seasonings to bloom and intensify their flavor characteristics.
- Elevate the chili’s complexity by streaming in prepared salsa and fire-roasted tomatoes, creating a harmonious liquid base that will serve as the dish’s vibrant core.
- Allow the mixture to gently simmer, uncovered, permitting the ingredients to meld and concentrate their flavors while naturally reducing and thickening the sauce.
- For enhanced substance, consider stirring in cooked farro, quinoa, or rice, transforming the chili into a more substantial and nutritionally rounded meal.
- Present the chili in warm bowls, inviting diners to personalize their experience with an array of complementary garnishes that add texture and additional flavor dimensions.
Notes
- Choose lean ground turkey for a healthier protein option that keeps the chili light and nutritious.
- Adjust the heat level by controlling the amount of jalapeños and chili powders, making it perfect for different spice tolerances.
- Enhance meal prep by doubling the batch, as this chili freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
- Replace black beans with other legumes like kidney or pinto beans for variety, keeping the dish protein-packed and versatile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg