"Skinny" Turkey Chili

Chili is iconic. People across the country and world have their own takes on chili. There are chili cook-offs and chili recipes in every cookbook and in every food blog. Everyone has their favorite chili or will tell you exactly what they like on their chili or what they put their chili on!

What makes chili....chili? Is it the blend of spices? Beans? No Beans? The meat? Ask 5 different people and you'll get 5 different answers. Chili seems to be different by region as well. Some prefer a meaty sauce and others like it thin like a soup. It can be flaming hot or surprisingly sweet.

Today's blog is going to focus on the nutritional aspect of chili. I am going to offer you a twist on a chili recipe that provides a reprieve from a few carbs, while still hitting the spot when you get that urge for a warm, satisfying bowl of chili. Don't be afraid of this recipe's substitutions for "traditional" chili. Give it a chance and you just might add it to your list of favorite chili recipes!

Skinny Turkey Chili is not my own unique creation. I first heard about it from my friend Kim and have since found variations all over the web. I am all about keeping it super simple. I could make my own blend of chili spices, but I don't mind using pre-packaged chili seasoning! This recipe focuses on two big trade offs: meat and beans and/or tomatoes-both a source of fat and carbs. The base of this chili is actually chicken broth and not tomato sauce (hidden sugar) and turkey instead of ground beef. The recipe also calls for cubed sweet potatoes, which provide a nice bit and plenty of healthy nutrients (and can take the place of that extra can of diced tomatoes or beans). 

You have to ask yourself what makes it chili for you! Do you love the beans? Add them! Do you love the tomatoes? Add them! Customize this recipe to make it yours and know that by subbing in a few new ingredients, you'll be making this chili "skinny" and making a healthier choice. Who knows, you might even like it better than your old recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. ground turkey (or chicken)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil (for helping onions and meat saute)
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped (more or less on your preference!)
• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and chopped (shoot for 1/2 inch cubes or smaller)
• 1 cup chicken broth (more or less depending on how thick you like chili, less makes it harder for sweet potatoes to cook though!)
• Optional: 1 can of chili ready or fire roasted diced tomatoes in the juice (less carbs than beans!) and/or 1 can of your favorite chili beans, drained. 
• Chili seasoning for 1 lb. of meat (you can add in more garlic or even a dash of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes or cajun seasoning for an extra kick!)

Do you have a meat chopper for browning meat? What?! You need one! Here's where you can get one using my Amazon Affiliate Link:

 

Directions:

Cook the meat thoroughly. It's up to you if you want to cook the onions with the meat. Add in olive oil to help meat and onions brown. Some people prefer the onions to have a little bite left and toss them in later. Add the chicken broth, sweet potato, tomatoes and beans and your chili seasoning. Stir occasionally. As with most chili, it will develop more flavor the longer it simmers. Get creative with your toppings! I like to add sour cream, but you can try other cheeses, avocado, cilantro, or even greek yogurt! If any of it is leftover, this freezes up well! 

I hope you enjoy this "skinny" chili! Let me know if you make it and how you customized it for your own family! Thanks for following the Home Ericanomics blog and Facebook page. Please share this recipe (share the link) and the blog via Facebook. I appreciate your support!

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