Lean Ground Turkey Chili

Ingredients

• Lean ground turkey 6 oz
• Kidney beans 0.5 cup
• Diced tomatoes 1 cup
• Onion 0.5 medium
• Chili powder 1 tsp
• Olive oil 1 tbsp

Method

1. Prepare Ingredients. Start by finely chopping half a medium onion. Drain and rinse half a cup of canned kidney beans to remove excess sodium and preserve flavor.
   Tip: Rinsing canned beans improves taste and reduces sodium content.
2. Heat Olive Oil. Place a medium-sized pot or deep skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and allow it to warm up for about a minute until shimmering but not smoking.
   Tip: Use medium heat to prevent burning the oil.
3. Sauté Onions. Add the chopped onions to the pot and sauté them in the olive oil for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
   Tip: If onions start to brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly.
4. Cook Ground Turkey. Add the 6 oz of lean ground turkey to the pot with the onions. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Cook for about 7 minutes until the turkey is fully browned and no longer pink.
   Tip: Make sure to stir regularly to cook the meat evenly and prevent sticking.
5. Add Spices and Tomatoes. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon of chili powder over the cooked turkey and onions. Stir well to coat the meat with the spice. Then add 1 cup of diced tomatoes (with their juices) to the pot and mix everything together.
   Tip: Adjust chili powder to your taste if you prefer more or less spice.
6. Simmer the Chili. Add the rinsed kidney beans to the pot. Stir everything to combine. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a lid, and let the chili simmer gently for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken slightly.
   Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking at the bottom.
7. Final Taste and Serve. Remove the lid and taste the chili. Add salt and pepper if desired. Stir well and serve hot.
   Tip: Serve with a side of rice or a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Pro tips

• Use a non-stick pot or skillet to reduce the need for extra oil.
• If you want a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.