Turkey Chili

Last week I posted a recipe for healthy granola, and I've had some clients and friends reach out to say they tried making it (which is great!). I'm feeling encouraged, so I thought I'd share a new recipe for Chili using the slow cooker that I tested out just a few days ago. 

Reasons I'm a fan of this recipe -  

1. High protein - A lot of my clients struggle to get enough protein. This recipe is a great high protein option. Plus you've got some meat but since you've also got beans, you're not relying on meat for you only protein source. I don't always, but I prefer to try to get protein in from real food sources when I can for a number of reasons (hit me up to hear more or maybe I'll post about it).
2. Filling - A base that includes fresh and canned vegetables adds volume and fiber. This helps you to feel more satisfied without overeating, plus the fiber keeps your digestive tract working efficiently.
3. Cheap and easy - All these ingredients are pretty affordable, and the preparation takes about 15 mins total, including the time spent sautéing the vegetables and meat. Turn on the slow cooker, leave for the gym, and when you come back your house smells awesome and dinner's ready. This is awesome for me since starting my own training and nutrition business has proven to be a bit time consuming. 
4. Flexible - If you're eating with a group that has different goals than you, there's always the option for your guests to load up with more cheese, sour cream, and chips. That way, you don't have to feel like your pushing an unappetizing dish on your friends/family. 

Ingredients:

~2 tsp olive oil
1 yellow onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
~3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lb ground turkey (or meat of choice)
1 15oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 15oz can sweet corn, drained and rinsed
1 28oz can diced tomatoes in juice
1/2 cup chicken broth
spices and seasonings:
3-4 tbsp chili powder*
2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp oregano
1/4-1/2 tsp cayenne*
3/4 tsp salt

Notes:

*Chili powder - chili powder is super inconsistent! It can be spicy, but some brands have barely any kick to them. In my first trial, I used Morton and Basset Chili powder which was not spicy at all and sort of disappointing. The second time, I used the Whole Foods 365 brand, which was just a bit spicier and had a flavor that I preferred. Play around with the brand and amount you use. I'd suggest ranging from 2-4 tbsp depending on your taste for spice. 
* Cayenne - I used a bit over 1/4 tsp, you might vary this a tiny bit based on how spicy you like your chili and how spicy the chili powder you're using is.
 

Instructions:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high eat. 
2. Add garlic, onion, and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Add ground turkey, break up and cook until no longer pink.
4. Add the contents of the pan to a slow cooker along with beans, corn, tomatoes, chicken broth, and seasonings. Combine thoroughly before covering to cook.
5. Cook on high for about 3 hours, or on low for about 6-7 hours (my crockpot usually cooks things a bit faster than most recipes estimate).
6. Serve with toppings of choice. I'd suggest shredded cheese, hot sauce and avocado OR some corn bread (less healthy but delicious). There might be some good healthy cornbread recipes out there (let me know what they are), but I was lazy and grabbed Bob's Red Mill cornbread mix (pretty good!).