Smoky Maple Turkey Chili

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 40 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Smoky Maple Turkey Chili is the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out. It's a hearty, savory, and slightly sweet chili that brings comfort with every spoonful. This recipe is perfect for crisp fall days or anytime you crave a bowl of cozy goodness.

Ingredients for Smoky Maple Turkey Chili

Let's talk about what makes this Smoky Maple Turkey Chili so flavorful. First off, the olive oil ensures everything cooks smoothly without sticking. The ground turkey is a lean protein that absorbs the spices beautifully. A large onion, garlic, and bell pepper form the aromatic base, providing essential flavors. Both black beans and kidney beans offer a creamy texture and plenty of fiber. Diced tomatoes and tomato paste give the chili its rich body. The magic happens with maple syrup, adding a gentle sweetness that perfectly complements the smoked paprika, which brings a deep, smoky flavor. The ground cumin and cayenne pepper spice things up just a bit, while salt and pepper balance everything out. Finally, chicken broth ties all the ingredients together into a deliciously comforting stew.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for the last 10 minutes.
  • If you prefer a spicier kick, add more cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Use leftover roast turkey for a more robust flavor and to save time.
  • Make a double batch and freeze half for a quick meal later on.

Serving Suggestions

This chili pairs wonderfully with a side of warm cornbread or a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top. To keep it light, serve it with a simple green salad. For a fun twist, try serving it over a baked potato for a hearty meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef or chicken works well too, just keep in mind the flavor will slightly change.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes, you can skip the turkey and add extra beans or tofu for protein.
How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, this chili will last up to 4 days in the fridge.

Smoky Maple Turkey Chili Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s nice and warm, add the ground turkey. Cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up with a spoon as you go. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Next, toss in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Stir everything together and let them cook until they're nice and soft, about another 5 minutes.

Now it's time to build some body in our chili. Add the black beans and kidney beans, along with the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir it all up so that the tomato paste is evenly distributed. Pour in the maple syrup, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Give it a good stir to combine all those beautiful flavors. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Finally, add the chicken broth to the pot, bringing everything to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it bubble gently for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom. Once it’s ready, serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A unique twist on classic chili with a hint of sweetness from maple syrup.
  • The smoky flavor from paprika adds depth and richness.
  • A perfect balance of protein, fiber, and flavor that fills you up without weighing you down.
  • Simple ingredients that come together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Versatile enough to please both meat lovers and health-conscious eaters.

Ingredients

2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
2 cans (14 oz each) diced tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
Chopped cilantro for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the onion, garlic, and bell pepper, cooking until softened.
4. Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
5. Pour in the maple syrup, smoked paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper.
6. Season with salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
7. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
8. Reduce heat and let simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.

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