Description
A hearty and flavorful Turkey Apple Chili combining lean ground turkey, sweet potatoes, apples, and warm spices for a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for cooler days.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups sliced carrots
- 2 cups diced sweet potatoes
- 2 cups diced apple
- 2 lbs ground lean turkey
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 3 cups crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 to 2 cans kidney beans (optional)
Spices & Seasonings
- Onion powder (to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon)
- Garlic powder (to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon)
- Salt (to taste, approximately 1 teaspoon plus extra as needed)
- Black pepper (to taste, approximately ½ teaspoon)
- Rubbed sage (about 1 teaspoon plus extra for mixing)
- Cinnamon (about ½ teaspoon)
- Nutmeg (a pinch or â…› teaspoon)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables and Apples: In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 cups sliced carrots, 2 cups diced sweet potatoes, and 2 cups diced apples along with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, rubbed sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sauté the mixture for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften and the spices are fragrant.
- Brown the Turkey: Stir in 2 pounds of ground lean turkey and cook until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, breaking up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add Tomato Paste and Spices: Mix in 3 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 teaspoons chili powder, additional salt, and extra rubbed sage until well combined with the meat and vegetables.
- Add Crushed Tomatoes: Pour in 3 cups of crushed tomatoes and stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the Chili: Reduce the heat to low-medium and let the chili simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften completely. If using kidney beans (1 to 2 cans), add them during the last few minutes of simmering just to heat through.
Notes
- You can adjust the chili powder to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Using lean ground turkey keeps this chili lower in fat while still providing plenty of protein.
- Optional kidney beans add extra fiber and protein; rinse them well before adding.
- Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs if desired.
- This chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
