I am totally traditional, however, there is a rebel inside. That being said, I have not prepared a typical turkey dinner for Thanksgiving in years.
I always make my famous turkey chili recipe instead! It began years ago, because my family is tiny and did not particularly want traditional turkey dinner. (And by “My” recipe, I mean I totally stole it from my step-mother!) It stores easy so it’s super handy to have around during the long holiday weekend for random snacks! it’s also still technically “turkey” so there is a hint of tradition. No one has ever complained about a big huge pot of turkey chili yet!
This is what you will need:
3lbs ground turkey
1 15 oz can pinto beans (I use Trappy’s Jalapinto)
2 15 oz cans Dark Red Kidney Beans
3 10 oz cans Diced Tomatoes & Green Chillies
2 white onions
2 green bell peppers
1 lb (16 oz) Dark Brown Sugar
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
2 oz chili powder
—————————————————————————-
for toppings:
one chopped white onions
shredded cheddar cheese
fritos
chopped green onion
I always take a photo of the ingredients due to an overwhelming number of friends explaining to me that they do not like to read and just like pictures. They can look at the photo as they run through the store, on their phone and won’t have to bother with the burden of reading!
To begin, on medium low heat, brown turkey in a skillet with salt and 1 oz chili powder until done. This should take about 25 minutes. Continue to stir on occasion. Turkey meat is dry, so there will be no oil as it cooks as with beef so it needs to be stirred here or there to cook evenly.
In the meantime, pour all cans of beans, tomatoes, chopped onions and bell peppers into either a crock pot or other large pot, and keep on medium heat.
Once the turkey is done, pour it into the crock pot, then add the brown sugar, cayenne pepper and the other ounce of chili powder. (The first ounce went into the turkey as it cooked)
Cover, and turn heat down to low.
I let mine stay on low overnight in the crock pot and it was amazing the next day. I have also done it in a pot on the stove, and kept on low for two hours and it was fine as well, but the slow cooking crock pot works magic! The cayenne and the brown sugar really break down and blend creating the perfect mixture of heat and sweet.
These are the garnishes I have available for whoever wants them, and usually serve with fresh cut green onions on top, whether anyone wants them or not…they are pretty and therefore mandatory!
I serve a lot of other treats and dishes as well…but the turkey chili is the star for our casual Thanksgiving at home!
-November 17, 2012
–SDS
