“Chipotle Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans”

How is the weather by you? Winter has set in here in Chicago as it has in much of the country. So when that type of weather shows up, making a big pot of chili is in order. My husband is a big lover of chili so I love coming up with something new like this Chipotle Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans. Unlike any chili I have made before and let me tell you how delicious it is. Not too spicy but just right to take the chill away.

Chipotle Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans

I adapted this chili recipe from an episode of Hallmark Home & Family. This recipe has what I call a secret ingredient and that ingredient is grated sweet potatoes. Yes, I said sweet potatoes. Don’t turn up your nose until you try it. I will try anything once and this chili is a must try. Do it because I say so, period, no questions.

Chipotle Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans

 

This turkey chili starts off with dark meat ground turkey because it has bit more fat and not as dry. If you prefer white meat then by all means use it. Brown your turkey in oil as you would ground beef and then add in onions, jalapeno, and garlic. The smells in your kitchen are fantastic. Now add in all spices and cook until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes and juice and cook for a couple minutes.

Lastly, stir in beans, sweet potatoes and water. You’ll notice the chili is lighter in color yet the common flavor is there. The sweet potatoes give the chili a slight sweetness yet cook down thickening the chili. It’s amazing. I use sweet potatoes in all kinds of ways but never dawned on me to use them in chili. Yum-o!

Chipotle Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans

With the Super Bowl around the corner, I’d say this would be a great recipe during the game by making a chili bar. Heck, why not? Keep the chili warm in several slow cookers or as much as you need to serve. This recipe can be doubled easily and you can spice it up more as desired. Be sure to set out all the favorite chili toppings. Everyone will leave asking you for the recipe, of this I have no doubt. Enjoy!

Chipotle Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans

 

Chipotle Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans

2 T. Olive oil

2-pounds dark meat ground turkey

1 large white onion, diced

1 large jalapeno, diced (seeds removed, optional)

4 to 5 garlic cloves, finely minced

1 ½  T. chili powder

2 t. ground cumin

1/2 to 3/4 t. chipotle chili powder

1/8 t. ground cloves

2 t. kosher salt

1/2 t. black pepper

1 – 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes with juice

2 – 15 oz. cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained

4 cups shredded sweet potatoes (1-pound)

2 ½ cups water

Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro

 

Heat oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add turkey meat and cook until brown and no pink remains, about 5 to 7 minutes.

Add in onion, jalapeno, and garlic, cooking about 5 more minutes until onion and peppers are soft.

Reduce heat to medium then stir in cumin, chili powder, cumin, chipotle powder, cloves, salt and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Pour in tomatoes and juice, cooking for another 2 minutes.

Add in beans, sweet potatoes, and water. Bring chili to boil, stir then reduce heat to low simmer.

Cover pot with lid and simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking as chili thickens while cooking.

Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Serve in individual bowls with desired toppings.

Makes 6 to 8 servings.

 

Recipe adapted from Hallmark Home & Family