Turkey Chili

Chili is one of those foods, unlike most, that the longer it cooks, the better it tastes. Making a big crock pot of chili is a fall/winter must in my household. I always make a big batch and freeze small containers for future meals. My chili is made with ground turkey breast because it is leaner, healthier, and tastes just as good - if not better - than any other protein since it's cooked with loads of flavor. The great thing about this recipe is the versatility with the protein - if you are a vegetarian just take out the turkey and add more beans and peppers. If you want to make it with beef instead, go for it!

Today, I made the chili in a slow cooker and let it cook for 3 hours, but you can also cook it on the stove top for about 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours on a low setting.

Have a beer with this! Drink the same (pumpkin) ale that you used in the recipe. I used Brooklyn Brewery Post Road Pumpkin Ale - amazing!

Ingredients: ~10 Servings

• 2-2.5 lbs Ground Turkey Breast
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 Yellow Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 Orange Bell Pepper, chopped
• 1 Jalapeno Pepper, diced
• 1/2 Large White Onion, copped
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• 3 tbs Olive Oil
• 1 bottle of Pumpkin Ale Beer (or another dark ale)
• 1 Can of Black Beans, drained
• 1 Can of Pink Beans, drained
• 1 Can of Kidney Beans, drained
• 2 14.5oz Cans of Diced Tomatoes
• 1 15oz Can of Tomato Sauce/Puree
• 2 Hefty tbs of Chili Powder
• 1 tbs Dried Oregano
• 1 tsp Paprika
• Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• Pinch of Cumin
• Pinch of Crushed Red Pepper
• Pinch of Cracked Black Pepper
• Grated (Wisconsin) Cheddar [optional]
• Dollop of Sour Cream (fat free) [optional]
• Tortilla Chips or OysterCrackers [optional]
• Splash of Apple Cider Vinegar [optional]

In a large sauce pan, heat up the olive oil and add the onions, then the garlic and let them sweat out. Add all the chopped peppers and stir with the onions and garlic.

Let this cook for about 1-2 minutes, and then add the ground turkey. Smash the turkey with your spatula to make small chunks. Once it is about half way cooked, add in the beer and mix well.

Once the beer is about half cooked off, put the diced tomatoes and beans in the slow cooker. Stir

everything together, then add in the turkey, peppers and onions from your sauce pan into the slow cooker. If you aren't using the slow cooker, just add the tomatoes and beans into the sauce pan with the turkey. Add in all the spices and cook for 3 hours on high in slow cooker or 1.75-2 hours on stove.

Serve in bowls with 1-2 tablespoons of grated cheddar and a dollop of sour cream (optional of course) and a side of oyster crackers and/or tortilla chips (also optional).