Southwestern Turkey Chili

Southwestern Turkey Chili

Southwestern Turkey Chili

Without fail, I always have more leftover turkey after Thanksgiving than is needed for several days of turkey sandwiches. But with minimal extra effort, you can turn these leftovers into a special meal…one that can be frozen and enjoyed even months later. I will be sharing my two favorite post-turkey day recipes – use white and/or dark meat.  The first, Southwestern Turkey Chili, is easy to make – has a bit of a southwestern twist with Anaheim chilies and black beans.  It’s nice to change up after a few days of sandwiches.

Melt 1 stick of unsalted butter in a large pot.  Add the following ingredients: 2-3 medium Anaheim chilies (seeded & chopped), 2/3 C chopped red onion, 2/3 C chopped parsley, 2/3 C chopped red bell pepper, 1 large chopped leek,(white part only), 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 Tb dried oregano. Sauté in butter until vegetables soften, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. 

Anaheim chilies

Leeks

Veggies ready to begin cooking

Reduce heat to low, add ¼ C flour, 1-2 Tb chili powder, 2-3 Tb ground cumin and 2 tsp salt – cook 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently until nearly all the liquid has evaporated and they begin to stick to the pan – you want to brown until crud starts to form on the bottom of the pan. Stir occasionally to scrape up the brown bits, then let the crud form again.  Be patient here and don’t rush it – this is where the big flavor develops.

The "crud"

 Add 4 C chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Scrap the crud and mix (dissolve) into your soup. Puree 1 ¼ C frozen corn with ½ C chicken stock in a processor or blender.  Add this puree to the chili.  Mix in 3 cans of rinsed and drained black beans, 4 C diced cooked turkey and 1 C frozen corn. Simmer chili 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve with assorted toppings: grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped red onion and/or chopped fresh cilantro.  This is wonderful any time of the year – it freezes beautifully and travels well.  You, your friends and family will not be disappointed.

Enjoy!

Larue