Turkey Chili

When I was a little girl, my family lived a couple houses away from my Grandmas house. It was her dream house. My grandfather built it. I loved this house. I loved being there, spending time with her. I loved when my cousins were there. We would spend hours playing in Grandmas jewelry, playing dress up in her closet. Now as an adult, it's the smell of her house that I miss the most! She always was cooking. She made meals to feed a crowd. There was always cake and cookies. Pie was always eaten for breakfast. Now every time I make chili, I think of Grandma. It is healthy, full of vegetables and feeds an army. I have changed out the beef for turkey and I don't buy seasoning packets anymore. It's the control freak in me! I want to control the spices. I want to limit preservatives. Using my own spices ensures that.

Turkey Chili

1 package of ground turkey
2 cans of diced tomatoes (I used one with jalapenos and one with garlic. Use whatever you have in your pantry)
2 large cans of kidney beans-rinsed
1 large can tomato sauce
1 onion chopped
Chili seasoning
1 TB smoked paprika
1 TB garlic powder
1 TB cayenne powder
1 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp cumin

You could add the following items: bell peppers, corn, jalapenos, black beans or pinto beans. I am not adding any of these items this time!
Brown turkey meat with the onion. The Tortured Teenager has one request-break the meat up into the smallest pieces. She does not like chunky meat in her chili.
Add rinses beans, tomatoes (do not drain) tomato sauce, all of the spices. Mix well. Taste it! Does it need more cayenne? We like it spicy. I always add more. Does it need more salt? Taste it throughout the cooking. It will look a little soupy. Don't panic. Bring to a boil and simmer at least one hour. I let mine cook for two hours plus. The flavors will change as it cooks. It will get thick and delicious.


Serve with cornbread. We like to serve with grated cheddar cheese, green onions and sour cream.

If you have a huge crowd to feed, serve over rice! I had one friend that always served over spaghetti. You would be amazed how big families make the food stretch!!
The leftovers are better the second day. The Fireman was planning lunch while we ate dinner. I always measure a meal by the success of my husband planning to eat the leftovers.