Healthy Turkey Chili

I don’t know about you, but it’s finally September and I’m excited about all things fall.

I’m kicking off the fall season with my Healthy Turkey Chili. This recipe is so easy to throw together and it’s packed with all the nutrients you need – not mention the fact that it’s comfort in a bowl!

The cinnamon, chili powder, and cumin bring a warm, smokey depth to the chili and the sweet potatoes bring just a bit of sweetness.

Sweet potatoes, while a higher carbohydrate food, are also full of fiber, nutrients, and antioxidants. The fiber found in sweet potatoes helps to slow the blood sugar response making them a good choice for a starchy vegetable.

With this chili, you’ll also be eating the rainbow in one bowl.

Enjoy my Healthy Turkey Chili this week! Be sure to click through for variations, including how to turn this into a vegan chili!

Healthy Turkey Chili (servings 8)

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1.5 – 2 lbs ground turkey or chicken

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, chopped

1 small red or yellow bell pepper, diced

1 zucchini or yellow squash, diced

1 large carrot, sliced into coins or diced

• ½ tsp cinnamon

• 1 tbsp chili powder

• 1 tbsp cumin

• 1 28 oz can of diced tomatoes with juice

• 2 cups chicken stock or broth (gluten-free), plus more as needed

• 2 cups diced sweet potatoes

• 1 can black beans, kidney beans, or white beans, rinsed and drained

1 bunch kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces

• salt and pepper

• shredded cheddar for serving (optional)

Directions:

Put a swirl of olive oil in a dutch oven and brown turkey until cooked. Remove and set aside.

Brown onion, garlic and carrot in another tsp of olive oil until done.

Add turkey back to pot with onions and add spices. Stir and cook for one minute.

Add tomatoes and juices, chicken stock, beans, red bell pepper, zucchini, kale, and sweet potatoes. Add additional broth if needed.

Bring to a simmer and cook for about 10 minutes or until potatoes are softened.

Salt and pepper to taste. Top with cheese and serve hot.

Variations: Make with ground chicken. Add in some chipotle chili powder for extra heat and smokiness. Sub in your favorite veggies or seasonings.

To make this vegetarian or vegan: Omit ground turkey. For additional protein, add an extra can of beans, 2 cups of cooked lentils or cooked quinoa. You could also add additional veggies or sweet potato to make the chili heartier. Omit chicken broth and use vegetable broth instead.