When it gets cold there are a few dishes that are absolute necessities around the Gawlik household. Tops on the list is chili; good meaty, spicy, hearty chili. With a nice little wintry mix blowing in some chili will definitely warm the soul.
You will notice this recipe has no beans. I could lie and say that it is to be paleo diet friendly but… I am from south Texas and as far as I am concerned, beans have absolutely no place in chili to begin with. It is just the way I was raised. If you must add beans, white navy beans or cannellini beans are good choices. Be sure to watch your liquid levels though. As the beans break down they will thicken the chili.
Regional culinary debates aside, today we are cookin’ up some good, paleo friendly turkey chili. This is a favorite around the house and goes GREAT with eggs the next day. Enjoy!
Ingredients:
- 1 Large White Onion
- 1 Large Poblano (Seeded)
- 4-6 Fresh Jalapenos (Seeding optional to adjust heat)
- 2 Fresh Serranos (Seeding optional to adjust heat)
- 2 Can Diced Green Chilis
- 1 Tbsp Fajita Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 Tbsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander seed
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder
- 2 lbs ground turkey
- 2-3 cups chicken stock (low sodium)
Instructions:
- Rough chop the poblano, white onion, and the jalapenos and serranos. To reduce the heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapenos and serranos. Add the vegetables to your food processor with the can of green chilis. Pulse the mix until it becomes a lovely green spicy mash. This is the base or “starter” for your chili.
- Cook the meat in your dutch oven with 1/2 Tbsp of the fajita seasoning. Remove and drain.
- Put your dutch oven on the stove at a medium/medium-high heat, add a bit of olive oil and the chili starter. Saute and stir for 5-7 minutes.
- Add the meat, the remaining seasonings and enough stock to cover the meat and veggie mix.
- Bring the chili to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cover for 10-15 minutes. Give the chili a taste and season to your liking. If you want some more heat, add cayenne, chipotle powder or finely minced fresh jalapeno or serrano. Just remember that it takes a little while for the full effect of the heat to work its way through the mix so add it a bit at a time and wait a few minutes before rendering your final spicy verdict.
- Once you are happy with the chili, serve it in your favorite chili bowl garnished with minced white onion and cilantro, and avocado dressed with a little lime juice.
Variations:
- Use roasted, pulled chicken instead of ground turkey
- Go crazy with the pepper mix. Use Chipotle, anaheim, or anything else you like. Heck, even smoke or fire-roast the peppers before making your chili starter. A little smoke always goes with peppers and meats!
