This easy chili recipe can be made either ground turkey or with meat substitute for vegetarians. I've used a minimum amount of chile powder, so that even kids and those with sensitive palates can enjoy this. If you want more spice, double (or even triple) the amount of chile powder. Use a large, heavy Dutch oven for this recipe; it'll evenly distribute heat while the chili simmers.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons canola oil or grapeseed oil
- 1 cup chopped onion (about one medium onion)
- 1 cup chopped carrot (about 2 medium)
- 2/3 cups chopped celery (about 1 stalk)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 16 ounces ground turkey or one 16-ounce package frozen meatless crumbles
- 2 28-ounce cans crushed tomatoes (preferably fire-roasted)
- 3 16-ounce cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons chile powder, medium heat
- 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano (or subsitute regular oregano)
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle seasoning or minced canned chipotles
- Salt and pepper
- Shredded cheese, chopped scallions, sliced black olives, sour cream, lime wedges and other toppings
Preparation:
- Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add oil and tilt pan to completely coat the bottom of the pan. Add onion, carrot and celery. Saute, stirring occasionally, until the onion is golden and translucent and the carrots and celery are soft, about 10 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds.
- If using ground turkey, add the turkey to the vegetable mixture and saute, stirring to break up meat into small chunks, until meat is browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, cumin, chile powder, oregano and chipotle. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 20 to 30 minutes. If using frozen meatless crumbles, stir them into chili about 10 minutes before serving. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve chili in bowls and add toppings as desired, such as shredded cheese, chopped scallions, sliced black olives, sour cream and lime wedges.
This easy chili recipe serves 6 people.
