No Bean Turkey Chili

What?! Why would you want chili without beans?? It's lighter and in my opinion, a bit more flavorful because you can really taste the vegetables.  With just a little bit of tomato base and lots of veggies, this is a good variation to throw into the mix.  I have made it three weeks in a row and this week, I doubled it because Hassan was eating it all when I went to bed.  I'd wake up, excited to pack up the leftovers (since it's the kind of thing that gets better each day) and find the pot in the sink and an empty bowl and spoon on the coffee table.  There are so many annoying things about this situation...

ANYWAY :):) Below is the regular recipe.  Double it if you live with a beast.

Tip: While the sweet potato bakes, chop the other veggies.

Ingredients are approximate.  I made up this recipe as I went along, so have fun with it and change it any way you want!  Sometimes I add corn, zucchini or carrots.  The seasoning is spicy so if you don't like a good kick, add a little at a time to taste.

Main Ingredients
Olive oil
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 large vidalia onion, chopped
5 cloves of garlic, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 yellow squash, diced
1 sweet potato, diced
1 14 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chilies
1.5 TBS tomato paste
1 cup chicken broth
2/3 cup water

Seasoning mix
1 TBS chili powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. sea salt
1 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Sea salt, pepper and Adobo seasoning to taste

Optional garnishes: Cilantro, sliced avocado, sour cream, Cholula hot sauce, melted cheese. mmmm!!!!

1. Pour yourself a nice sized glass of Cabernet.  Do not miss this step!

2. Bake sweet potato until its about 3/4 cooked.  Set aside to cool and when it's okay to handle, peel, dice and set aside again.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet.  Add onions and cook for a few minutes.  Add peppers and yellow squash.  Sauté for a few minutes until all vegetables are cooked but not mushy.  Add garlic and stir frequently for 2 minutes.  Season with salt, pepper and Adobo.  Pour mixture into a large soup pot and stir in sweet potatoes.

4. Mix up the seasoning mix.

5. Place the same skillet on medium heat.  Add ground turkey and cook until no longer pink.  Drain any fat.  Add seasoning mixture and 2/3 cups of water.  Stir and continue to cook until most of the liquid and seasoning is absorbed into the meat.  Pour meat into the soup pot.

6. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth into the pot.  Stir it all together and bring to a boil.  Lower heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes until thickened.  Taste and add any seasonings as desired.  At this point, I usually add a few shakes of Adobo and maybe a splash of chicken broth because I like to create a spicy broth in there.

7. Add any garnishes that you're in the mood for.  My favorite is lots of Cholula and some sour cream.  For a treat, I add a big layer of melted white cheddar.  For days that I want to keep it light, I thinly sliced half an avocado across the top and squeeze on a little lime juice.  The possibilities are endless!!

I hope you enjoy!  I've been in the mood for this over and over since the colder weather has arrived.  I'd love to hear any variations you make to the recipe.