January 19th, 2022
Turkey Veggie Chili
THERE’S NOTHING BETTER THAN A WARM BOWL OF CHILI ON A COLD WINTER DAY!
I love this turkey veggie chili because it is a classic dish that is super easy to make and is nearly always a crowd pleaser. A basic chili recipe is based on a few staple ingredients (though the variations are endless). Common ingredients of chili include beans, ground meats, tomatoes, broth, chili powder, veggies, and other herbs or spices.
In my chili recipes I love to include different vegetables to help boost nutrients and to help promote satiety. I find that veggies like spinach along with the classic beans, onions, carrots and tomatoes make for a more varied and exciting bowl of chili, and by adding some delicious herbs it becomes a super satisfying and tasty meal.
Another important aspect of my turkey veggie chili is that I really try to ensure that the meat used is grass-fed or organic. This ensures that the meat is at least just a little healthier than conventional meat, meaning no/less antibiotics and hormones.
WHY WE LOVE CHILI
First of all, chili is delicious! I don’t know many people that don’t enjoy it at some point during the year. Also, it is so versatile, it can be modified to meet a variety of food preferences and dietary needs. Chili can be gluten free, vegan, vegetarian, keto, allergy-friendly, etc.
Did we mention that it is a one pot meal? Chili is often made in a crockpot or stock pot which means minimal dishes. It can also be made ahead of time so it works great for meal prepping. Check out our Turkey Veggie Chili recipe below!
Turkey Veggie Chili
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 yellow onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic chopped
- 4 carrots chopped
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cans beans (you choose! we used garbanzo and black beans)
- 2 boxes chopped tomatoes (we used Pomi- 750g each)
- 1 box spinach
- salt and pepper to tast
- 3 leaves bay leaves
Instructions
- In a stock pot, over medium heat, sauté the onion in olive oil – 2-3 minutes
- Add garlic, and chopped carrots, sauté 5-7 minutes until warmed and slightly soft
- Add the turkey – chop it up with the spoon and spread it out in the pot- sauté until looks like it's mostly cooked – 7-10 minutes
- Next add the boxed tomatoes, and the beans; stir a few times and turn the heat down to low. Simmer for 20-30 minutes
- Next add the salt, pepper, and spinach, stirring every few minutes- 5-10 minutes
- Serve and enjoy!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHILI
- It can be super high in fiber, due to the presence of beans and many vegetables
- Thanks to the fiber mentioned above, it is super satisfying, good for blood sugar control, and may help keep your bowels regular
- It’s high in protein, thanks to ingredients like ground turkey, cheese, and beans. This means you’ll stay full for hours and be less likely to overindulge
- It can be high in vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin C, depending on the ingredients used
FOR SPECIFIC DIETARY PREFERENCE OR RESTRICTIONS WHEN MAKING CHILI
- Vegan chili- Leave out the meat and cheese and use a variety of canned beans, lentils, and vegetables. Check out my yummy vegan recipe
- Paleo/keto chili- Avoid the beans and use plenty of ground meats and vegetables instead. Top with healthy fats like sliced avocado or a small portion of light sour cream or shredded cheese. Check out my delicious recipe.
- Gluten-free chili-Ensure that the broth used is gluten-free and be sure to use gluten-free cornbread if using. Consider adding in some quinoa for another gluten-free protein source if desired. Check out my tasty recipe.
