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Turkey Apple Chili Recipe

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4.4 from 14 reviews

A hearty and flavorful Turkey Apple Chili that combines lean ground turkey with sweet potatoes, apples, and warm spices. This recipe offers a comforting and nutritious twist on traditional chili, perfect for a warming meal any time of year.

Ingredients

Vegetables and Fruits

  • 2 cups sliced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
  • 2 cups sliced sweet potatoes, halved and quartered (about 2 smaller sweet potatoes)
  • 2 cups diced apple (about 2 apples)

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1 1/2 tsp rubbed sage, divided
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • A sprinkle of nutmeg
  • 2 tsp chili powder

Proteins and Canned Goods

  • 2 lbs ground lean turkey
  • 1-2 cans kidney beans (optional)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 Tbs olive oil
  • 3 Tbs tomato paste
  • 3 cups crushed tomatoes
  • 2 cups strained tomatoes or marinara sauce

Instructions

  1. Heat the Oil and Cook Vegetables: Put 1 tablespoon of olive oil into a large pot and heat over medium stovetop heat. Add the diced apples, sliced sweet potatoes, and sliced carrots. Season with 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1 tsp rubbed sage, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and a sprinkle of nutmeg. Stir well and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables start to soften.
  2. Brown the Turkey: Add the ground lean turkey to the pot, breaking it up into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir frequently and cook for 5-7 minutes until the turkey is no longer pink and cooked through.
  3. Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Stir in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon rubbed sage, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the tomato paste and spices.
  4. Add Tomatoes: Pour in 3 cups crushed tomatoes and 2 cups strained tomatoes or marinara sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.
  5. Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the chili cook gently for 20-30 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and vegetables to soften completely. Stir occasionally during this time.
  6. Add Kidney Beans (Optional): If using kidney beans, add 1-2 cans towards the end of the cooking time and heat through. Adjust seasoning to taste before serving.

Notes

  • Slice and quarter the sweet potatoes thinly to ensure they cook thoroughly within the cooking time.
  • If strained tomatoes are unavailable, substitute with marinara sauce.
  • For a thinner chili, add 1/2 to 1 cup of chicken broth or bone broth.
  • Increase chili powder by 1 teaspoon if you prefer a spicier chili.