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Turkey Zucchini Chili

This can have a couple of other variations besides those shown in the ingredients list. I have left out the beans completely and it's still quite substantial. I've also used up 4 oz. of leftover tomato paste instead of the plum tomatoes and added 3 cups chicken broth. It's a slightly richer version.

What you need

  1. 1 - 1.25 lb. ground turkey (preferably a mix of breast and thigh meat)
  2. 1 oversized zucchini (about 3 inch diameter) or 4 small
  3. 1 28oz. can plum tomatoes with juice, squashed
  4. 1 14oz. can sweet corn with juice
  5. 1 can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  6. 1 cup refried beans
  7. 1 chipotle chili, minced or 1/2 tsp dried ground
  8. Olive oil
  9. 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  10. 1 large onion, diced
  11. 1 large carrot or 2 stalks celery, diced
  12. 1/2 - 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
  13. 4 Tbl mild to medium chili powder - ground ancho or a blend
  14. 1 tsp ground coriander
  15. 1 tsp ground cumin
  16. 1 tsp celery seed (optional - don't use if using fresh celery)
  17. 1 tablespoon minced or sliced fresh jalapeno or other chili pepper
  18. 1/2 - 1 cup water or beer
  19. Kosher salt
  20. chopped onion
  21. chopped cilantro
  22. grated cheese

How to make it

  1. In a skillet, cook turkey in about 2 teaspoons olive oil until done and lightly browned
  2. Add 1 tbl chili powder and 1/2 tsp salt and cook for two minutes on medium
  3. Set aside
  4. In a large pot, sauté onion, carrot and bell pepper in olive oil until soft
  5. Add garlic, cumin, coriander, celery seed, 1/2 tsp salt and remaining 3 Tbl chili powder and cook on medium for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally
  6. Add tomatoes with juices, chipotle chili pepper, corn with juices, kidney beans and refried beans - stir to combine well
  7. Simmer over low to medium low heat for about 1 hour until flavors are well blended
  8. While chili is simmering, cut ends from zucchini, cut in half and split lengthwise
  9. Using a table spoon, remove all seeds
  10. Cut into 1 inch wide strips and slice across for 1/4 by 1 inch pieces
  11. When chili has developed it's flavor, add ground turkey, zucchini pieces, jalapeno pepper and beer
  12. Cook over medium heat until turkey is reheated and zucchini is tender but not yet soft
  13. Taste and adjust salt
  14. Serve with garnish of chopped onion and cilantro

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