Chunky Choco Turkey Chili

I love a chunky chili but don't like the flavour of ground turkey.

Combining textures is fun though so here’s my take on a chunky turkey chili, a variation of my cousin Suzie Q's fantastic turkey chili recipe.

Before you begin the veggie sauté, heat oven to 375 and roast 2 sweet potatoes in chunks, seasoned with olive oil, salt pepper and chili pepper.  Takes about 25 min or so.

The sweet potato adds bulk and great taste but isn't necessary to the overall dish.

 

Sauté: into large chunks, no small dicing please!

1 large onions

1 green pepper,  poblano, cubanelle work well

1 red, yellow or orange bell pepper

3 cloves crushed garlic

1 jalapeño (spicier) or Serrano pepper, with or without seed ( OK, this can be finely diced, but only this!)

 

Once all is nice and browned, add the spice mix:

2 tbsp chili pepper

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tbsp paprika

1 tbsp Greek oregano

Salt and pepper

Some chili flakes if you like even more heat. 

Add KEY ingredient, a heaping tbsp of cocoa or hot chocolate mix. This is killer in any chili. 

Add 1 large turkey breast, skinned and diced into chunks and cook till opaque. 

 

Add- 1 cans of any beans you like.  I like small black and/or red kidney beans, but any kind will be good, including chickpeas.

 

Then, deglaze the pan with beer, about a half to 3/4 bottle, drink the rest! Any kind will do, but I use gorgeous Guinness because it's the best beer and it adds so much depth of flavor.

 

Add a few drops of Worcestershire sauce and half a large can of diced tomatoes. Then enough chicken or beef broth to cover everything.  Let simmer for a while till it all melds together and liquid reduces to a nice amount, not too dry or will be mushy.

 

To finish, add in the roasted sweet potatoes, cup of frozen corn, and nice crunchy sugar snap peas (cut in half for a nice bite size) and continue to simmer only till warmed through.

Barley also works well in this chili, about 1/4 cup for texture. 

 

Top with combinations of scallions, cilantro, iceberg lettuce, cheese, even nuts or pepitas.  Squeeze some fresh lime juice for that last bit of freshness. A dollop of Greek yogourt is always awesome!

Such a yummy meal, especially on a cold day.