Guiltless Back to School Chili

By Allison Hazell
@ahazell

I wanted a good chili flavor and consistency without hamburger or beans. Sounded impossible. Found a recipe on Pinterest. However, it was way too HOT and I didn't care for the kale but liked the idea of it being nutritious. So I changed a lot of the ingredients and seasoning portions. Now, I've found a recipe that gives me the hearty chili goodness without all of the guilt, fat, HEAT and calories. However, you can make this with hamburger/pork and beans and it will be great! For me, this is just how I like it. Serve with a crisp white or mellow red wine and a crusty loaf of French bread.

Blue Ribbon Recipe

This simple chili is not only healthy, it's packed with flavor. We did add the optional spinach and black beans and recommend you do too. It makes this chili slightly different. The seasoning mixture is sweet and savory at the same time. Between the cumin and chili powder, this really does have a punch of flavor. Make sure to serve the French bread to soak up all the leftover goodness. This is a nice and hearty dinner for when the weather turns cooler. The Test Kitchen

Rating:

★★★★☆ 3 votes

Comments:

14 Comments

Serves:

4-6

Prep:

20 Min

Cook:

1 Hr

Method:

Stove Top

Ingredients

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1 1/4 lb: ground turkey, 99% lean (or 93%)
1 medium: onion, diced
3 clove: garlic
: olive oil for frying (splashes)
2: 14.5 oz diced tomatoes-garlic, onion, basil flavored
1/2 can(s): tomato paste, 3 oz.
1 c: vegetable broth
1 can(s): Green Giant Mexican style corn, 11 oz.
1 bunch: (handful) fresh spinach leaves (optional)
1 can(s): black beans drained (optional), 15 oz.
3 Tbsp: brown sugar
1 Tbsp: chili powder
1 Tbsp: cumin
1 1/2 tsp: salt
1 tsp: pepper
2 tsp: dried oregano

How to Make Guiltless Back to School Chili

Step-by-Step

1Mix all of the seasonings together with a fork until well blended in a small bowl. Set aside.
2Brown turkey in olive oil and set aside.
3In large pan or Dutch oven, splash a little olive oil. Saute onions and garlic for about 3 minutes until soft.
4Add tomato paste, seasoning mix and garlic to the onion. Stir until well incorporated.
5Then add diced tomatoes, corn and if you are adding beans. Stir.
6Then add turkey and vegetable broth.
7Turn heat up to medium, then cover and simmer for at least 30 minutes. I simmered for 1 hour and it was great.
8If adding spinach, throw spinach in.
9Cook chili for 15-20 minutes longer.