Are you craving a comforting, yet healthy and quick dinner? Look no further! This white chili recipe with ground turkey is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's packed with flavor, surprisingly easy to make, and a delicious alternative to traditional red chili. Get ready to experience a homemade culinary delight that's both satisfying and nutritious! This easy recipe is perfect for beginners, and experienced cooks will appreciate its versatility.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 (15 ounce) can great northern beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Brown the Ground Turkey
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground turkey over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain off any excess grease.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion and green bell pepper to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the great northern beans, cannellini beans, corn, diced green chilies, cumin, chili powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Simmer the Chili
Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 20 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the chili is cooked to your liking, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt. This delicious and healthy meal is perfect on its own or served with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat. You can also add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it vegetarian: Substitute the ground turkey with 1 cup of cooked quinoa or lentils for a hearty vegetarian chili.
- Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced carrots, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Creamy chili: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
- Slow cooker option: This recipe is easily adaptable to a slow cooker. Brown the turkey and sauté the vegetables as directed, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
This white chili recipe with ground turkey is a fantastic addition to your healthy meal repertoire. It's a quick, easy, and delicious dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Enjoy the wonderful flavors and the satisfaction of creating a homemade, healthy dish from scratch. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!