Imagine the aroma of ground turkey sizzling in your skillet, mingling with the sweetness of caramelizing sweet potatoes and the vibrant colors of diced bell peppers.
This Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a symphony of flavors, where earthy cumin and smoky chili powder dance on your palate.
It’s a dish that invites warmth and comfort, perfect for a chilly evening.
But what truly elevates this chili? You’ll want to discover the finishing touches.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large pot
- 1 wooden spoon
- 1 cutting board
- 1 chef’s knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 can opener
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced (for garnish)
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, you can follow this timeline:
- 0:00 – 0:03 (3 minutes):
- Reading & Familiarization: Quickly read through the entire recipe to understand the steps and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- 0:03 – 0:15 (12 minutes):
- Prep Work:
- Dice the onion.
- Mince the garlic.
- Peel and cube the sweet potatoes.
- Dice the red bell pepper.
- Chop the fresh cilantro.
- 0:15 – 0:25 (10 minutes):
- Cooking Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
- 0:25 – 0:30 (5 minutes):
- Cooking Step 2:
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- 0:30 – 0:35 (5 minutes):
- Cooking Step 3:
- Add sweet potatoes and red bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes.
- 0:35 – 0:38 (3 minutes):
- Cooking Step 4:
- Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- 0:38 – 0:40 (2 minutes):
- Cooking Step 5:
- Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- 0:40 – 1:10 (30 minutes):
- Simmering:
- Bring the chili to a simmer, cover the pot, and reduce heat to low.
- Cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- 1:10 – 1:20 (10 minutes):
- Resting:
- Remove the pot from heat and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- 1:20 – 1:25 (5 minutes):
- Finishing Touches:
- Stir in fresh cilantro.
- Garnish with avocado slices before serving.
Notes:
- During the cooking and simmering times, you can clean up any used utensils and cutting boards to save time on post-cooking cleanup.
- Taste the chili before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed for your preferred flavor profile.
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking apart with a wooden spoon.
Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
Add sweet potatoes and red bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes.
Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
Bring chili to a simmer, cover pot, and reduce heat to low.
Cook chili for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
Remove pot from heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
Stir in fresh cilantro before serving.
Garnish with avocado slices before serving.
Serving Tips
- Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious chili broth.
- Steamed Rice: Pair with steamed rice for a hearty and filling meal.
- Tortilla Chips: Offer tortilla chips for a crunchy contrast and a fun way to scoop up the chili.
- Cornbread: Enjoy with a side of cornbread for a sweet and savory complement.
- Salad: Accompany with a fresh green salad to add a crisp, revitalizing element to the meal.
Storage
Store Turkey Sweet Potato Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Freezing
Allow the Turkey Sweet Potato Chili to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
Label with date and freeze for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat Turkey Sweet Potato Chili, use a stovetop over low heat.
Stir occasionally until warmed through.
Alternatively, microwave it in a covered dish.
Stir halfway to guarantee even heating.
Final Thoughts
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili is a delightful, hearty dish that combines the warmth of spices with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.
The combination of ground turkey, black beans, and fresh vegetables provides a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Don’t forget to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
This chili can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting aroma of this delicious dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Ground Turkey With Another Protein?
Absolutely, swap the ground turkey with chicken or beef. Sear it until it’s golden for that savory depth. Consider beans for a vegetarian twist. Each choice brings a unique texture and aroma, elevating your chili experience.
Is This Chili Suitable for a Vegetarian Diet?
You can’t serve this chili to vegetarians as it contains ground turkey. Replace turkey with hearty mushrooms or protein-rich lentils for a flavorful, plant-based version. Savor the aromatic spices and creamy sweet potatoes with this adaptation.
How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
To amp up the heat, incorporate extra cayenne pepper or finely chop a fresh jalapeño. Let the spices bloom by sautéing them with the turkey. You’ll experience a fiery, aromatic kick in every savory bite.
What Are Some Alternative Garnishes for This Chili?
Consider topping your chili with a dollop of tangy sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, or a handful of crunchy tortilla strips. Each adds a unique texture and flavor, enhancing your dish’s overall sensory experience.
Can I Use Canned Sweet Potatoes Instead of Fresh Ones?
Sure, you can use canned sweet potatoes. Drain them well and add them during the last 10 minutes of simmering. They’ll break down more easily, infusing the chili with a velvety texture and subtle sweetness.
Turkey Sweet Potato Chili
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Wooden spoon
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 can opener
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 large onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 medium sweet potatoes peeled and cubed
- 1 red bell pepper diced
- 1 can black beans 15 ounces, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 avocado sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking apart with a wooden spoon.
- Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until onion is translucent.
- Add sweet potatoes and red bell pepper, cooking for 5 minutes.
- Pour in black beans, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
- Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Bring chili to a simmer, cover pot, and reduce heat to low.
- Cook chili for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sweet potatoes are tender.
- Remove pot from heat and let rest for 10 minutes.
- Stir in fresh cilantro before serving.
- Garnish with avocado slices before serving.
Notes
