Healthy Turkey Chili

        Chili is one thing that can be very healthy depending on how it is made and what is in it. A sloppy chili loaded with meat may be delicious, but it is going to be super high in calories and fat and not many nutrients (My advice is save that kind for tailgating the big game). A chili like this one, loaded with fibrous beans and vitamin stocked veggies, will still be soooooo tasty but it will also provide a ton of nutrients for a hearty meal! (and beans are much cheaper than meat!) The beans add a ton of protein, so no matter the recipe I always try and throw a can or two into the mix. I am also a huge fan of corn in any type of chili or soup. It gives a good sweet crunch and really adds to the texture. This recipe has great spice and flavor and is one I have made at least a dozen times.

       I am a huge fan of making chili because it is a simple one pot meal, requires little prepping (mainly opening cans) and is really cheap! As a cheap college student it is ideal. It's perfect for the fall and winter months, especially way up here in Maine where it is absolutely FREEZING! This is an ideal meal because you don't need to spend much time cooking it, and it can be left in the fridge and reheated for a few days afterwards...very convenient!

         I use ground turkey because it is healthier, but only if you buy lean turkey, so be careful of that! If lean turkey is not available, you are better off just to get an extra lean ground beef. 

         If you have never made or tried a turkey chili, don't fear that it wont be as meaty and delicious because it is not beef. The traditional flavors of chili are here, and with all the different textures, it can almost be hard to tell what it is really made out of!

Healthy Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

1 lb lean ground turkey

1 medium onion

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp minced garlic (or 3 cloves)

1 pkg chili seasoning*

1 Tbsp cumin

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1/2 cup water

1 28oz can crushed tomatoes

1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

1 can corn, drained

1 jar salsa (or one can diced tomatoes)

Directions:

Heat oil over medium heat and add onions and garlic. Cook for a few minutes then add turkey and seasonings. Once cooked through and turkey is no longer pink, add in the water, heat through and mix in the rest of the ingredients. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about thirty minutes.

**If you don't have a pkg of chili seasoning, or prefer to do it on your own, here is my recommended substitute!

2 Tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp onion powder, garlic powder